External quality assessment schemes for HIV, HBsAg and HCV serology

Four WHO regional External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) for HIV, HBsAg and HCV serology are operational in:

• Africa (anglophone)
• Africa (francophone)
• South East Asia
• Western Pacific

EQAS are planned to commence in the Americas soon.

A total of approximately 130 reference laboratories and blood transfusion services receive proficiency panels at regular intervals to monitor their performance.

In addition, information is collected regarding the type and brands of test kits used and the testing strategies adopted.

Summary reports on each distribution are produced and impartial analysis conducted. Assistance is provided to laboratories with substandard performance.

Countries are encouraged to establish their own national EQAS using WHO guidelines for assistance.

Related documents

• Organising EQAS Guidelines for HIV Serological Testing
  pdf, 128kb
• HBV panel March 2008 EQAS report
  pdf, 320kb
• HBV panel October 2008 EQAS report
  pdf, 329kb
• HCV panel March 2008 EQAS report
  pdf, 251kb
• HCV panel October 2008 EQAS report
  pdf, 308kb
• HIV panel March 2008 EQAS report
  pdf, 263kb
• HIV panel October 2008 EQAS report
  pdf, 288kb

Related links

• Clinical Chemistry EQAS
• Heamatology EQAS
• Blood Coagulation EQAS

WHO Collaborating Centres web sites

• National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa
• National Serology Reference Laboratory, Australia (NRL)