External quality assessment programs of laboratory test results conducted by the Central Center for Quality Research in Laboratory Diagnostics in 2020

Abstract

<br><b>Introduction:</b> In 2020, the Central Center for Quality Research in Laboratory Diagnostics conducted 24 editions as part of nine external quality assessment programs.</br> <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> Four programs (in the field of biochemistry, hematology, parameters of acid-base balance, ISE electrolytes, and coagulology) were conducted with the frequency of four editions. The remaining programs in the field of immunology (basic, extended and cardiac markers) and glycated hemoglobin, for financial reasons, were conducted with the frequency of two editions a year. In 2020, a new program in the field of specialist immunology was introduced, also with the frequency of two editions a year. In 2020, the Central Center also maintained the procedure of transporting control material samples to laboratories by courier, which had been carried out for two years.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> Four programs implemented in 2020 achieved a slightly lower than in 2019 (from 0.16% to 0.43%) and in three programs a slightly higher (0.18% to 0.36%) percentage of correct results according to the most favorable for the participant the criterion. Only in the program of immunochemistry of cardiac markers this percentage was noticeably lower (by 2.73% less correct results). This was likely due to the use of new control materials from a different vendor.</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The annual regularity ratings obtained in 2020, despite the ongoing SARS- -CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, were comparable to the results obtained in 2019. The point differences in the annual regularity assessment in the programs implemented in 2020 ranged from –0.02% to +0.10%.</br>