External Quality Control

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Quality Control. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Quality Control (online CE course)
External Quality Control

  • External quality control (also called proficiency testing or PT) evaluates a laboratory's testing results by comparing them to those of similar laboratories.
  • Specially prepared specimens are obtained by multiple laboratories participating in the proficiency testing program.
  • These "unknowns" are then tested by the participating laboratories and results are returned to the proficiency testing program.
  • For external quality control, the laboratory must use its routine testing methods.