Criterion PoCT4.2 – External quality assurance program

External quality assurance programs deliver peer review of your PoCT systems and monitor your PoCT performance, making it more likely that issues that might otherwise go unnoticed are detected early. ¹⁰

External quality assurance programs provide identical samples to all program participants who then each test the sample using their routine test method. The program collates the results and provides each participant with:  

• the range of results achieved 
• an indication of whether their method is producing results significantly different to those produced by a different practice using the same method 
• details of the accuracy and precision of their results. 

If your practice has unacceptable results or performance, you must: 

• investigate the reasons for these results or performance 
• record any remedial actions taken. 

PoCT4.2►A Our practice participates in an external quality assurance program.   

You must:  

• enrol all test methods in an approved external quality assurance program 
• keep records of participation 
• review reports from external quality assurance programs and keep records of action taken if reports indicate poor performance.