External Quality Control Monitoring Program

The external quality control monitoring program was initiated in 2006 by the Laboratory Standards Sub-Committee (LS SC) of the CPHLN (Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network) to monitor diagnostic test behaviour in real-time. At the present time, three analytes are available: anti-rubella IgG, anti-rubella IgM and anti-HBs. The analytes are manufactured at a specific target concentration and results of these from any test run are entered into a database. The database captures all aspects of the test run including the name of the platform/system used, lot number of the analyte, and kit control lot numbers. Analysis can then be done to monitor data in real time to determine fluctuations in results. It also allows for comparison of results between laboratories using similar platform/systems and lot numbers. The National Microbiology Laboratory serves as a co-ordinator for the purchase of the analytes in a bulk lot hence ensuring that every participating laboratory uses the same lot number for data comparison. The purchase price is determined by the total volume required by all laboratories requiring the analyte. Ordering of new lots occurs every 12-18 months. Please contact the Surveillance and Reference Services section at (204) 789-7055 or email NML.Surveillance.Reference@phac-aspc.gc.ca for further details.