CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT SCHEMESERUM - DISCUSSION PAPER FROM THE EUROPEAN EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT (EQA) ORGANIZERS WORKING GROUP-C

This work reviews the procurement, specification and manufacture of se rum for external quality assessment (EQA) and provides a checklist for scheme organisers. Guidance on the assessment of commutability and no tes on the use of EQA materials to assess assay problems are provided. The importance of the appropriateness of materials in respect of sche me design and objectives, and the essential nature of a detailed speci fication prior to manufacture are emphasised.