Lab Med Qual Assur.  2021 Mar;43(1):19-24. 10.15263/jlmqa.2021.43.1.19.

Exploratory Investigation for Improvement of the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Transfusion Medicine

• Yang JJ
• Kim JS
• Chung Y
• Kim H
• Ko DH
• Hwang SH
• Oh HB

• KMID: 2514597
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15263/jlmqa.2021.43.1.19

Abstract

Background
This study summarizes a survey conducted to improve and expand the external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for transfusion in Korea.
Methods
The EQA items provided by the College of American Pathologists, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, National External Quality Assessment Service, and German program were explored. A commercially operated EQA program was also included in the survey.
Results
Items not included in the Korean EQA programs included extended antigen typing, electronic cross-matching, eluate survey, and fetal red cell detection. Granulocyte- and platelet-related testing was also not covered by the Korean program. There were issues regarding establishing the criteria for acceptable ranges and manufacturing of EQA materials.
Conclusions
We successfully conducted a survey for the improvement and expansion of EQA for transfusion medicine. A pilot project for extended antigen typing is expected to be implemented in 2021, and ongoing expansion will continue in the following years.

Keyword

Transfusion medicine; Proficiency testing; External quality assessment