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Semin Thromb Hemost 2005; 31(1): 85-89
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-863809
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Learning from Peer Assessment: The Role of the External Quality Assurance Multilaboratory Thrombophilia Test Process

Emmanuel J. Favaloro1
  • 1Senior Scientist in Charge, Haemostasis Laboratories, Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 February 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The quality control process is a critical feature of pathology best practice. In addition to internal quality control processes applied on a test-to-test or day-to-day basis, the participation of laboratories in external quality assurance programs (QAPs) is critical to achieving ongoing test accuracy. There are several such programs operating in the international arena. With respect to thrombophilia, these include the Australia-based Royal College of Pathologists of Australia QAP, the United Kingdom-based National External Quality Assessment Service, and the International Thrombophilia External Quality Assessment Scheme, based in the Netherlands. Although there are some similarities between the programs, some diversity is also apparent. Each of the programs assess for the common markers of congenital thrombophilia, such as antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and activated protein C resistance. Testing of some acquired markers of thrombophilia, such as lupus anticoagulant, and genetic tests such as factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutation, are also available. This report focuses on some recent trends from these programs.

KEYWORDS

Protein C - protein S - antithrombin - activated protein C resistance - lupus anticoagulant - laboratory assessment - survey - hemostasis testing - diagnostic practice - quality control

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 Dr.
E. J Favaloro

Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR)

WSAHS, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia

Email: emmanuel@icpmr.wsahs.nsw.gov.au