External Quality Assessment
External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a system used by medical laboratories to ensure their test results are accurate and reliable. Think of it like a report card for laboratories. Outside organizations send unknown samples to labs for testing, then compare their results with other labs to make sure everyone is getting the same answers. This process is sometimes called "Proficiency Testing" or "Laboratory Quality Control." It's a crucial part of maintaining high standards in medical testing and is often required for laboratory accreditation.
Examples in Resumes
Managed External Quality Assessment programs for a network of 50 regional laboratories
Achieved 98% success rate in EQA participation across all testing areas
Led implementation of Proficiency Testing protocols meeting CAP standards
Coordinated External Quality Assessment responses and improvement actions
Typical job title: "Quality Assurance Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Quality Assurance Managers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where your laboratory consistently fails EQA results in a specific testing area?
Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss: investigating root causes, implementing corrective actions, staff training needs, reviewing procedures, equipment calibration checks, and creating preventive measures for the future.
Q: How do you ensure EQA participation across multiple laboratory sites?
Expected Answer: Should explain coordinating schedules, tracking participation, standardizing procedures across sites, maintaining documentation, and strategies for improving compliance.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What documentation is essential for EQA participation?
Expected Answer: Should mention test results, corrective actions, staff training records, procedure manuals, equipment maintenance logs, and quality control charts.
Q: How do you train staff on EQA procedures?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating training materials, hands-on demonstrations, competency assessments, and regular updates on new requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of External Quality Assessment?
Expected Answer: Should explain that EQA helps ensure accurate test results by comparing a lab's performance with others and identifies areas needing improvement.
Q: How often should a laboratory participate in EQA programs?
Expected Answer: Should know that frequency varies by test type but typically ranges from monthly to quarterly, following accreditation requirements.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of laboratory procedures
- Knowledge of quality control documentation
- Ability to follow EQA protocols
- Basic data entry and record keeping
Mid (2-5 years)
- EQA result interpretation
- Implementation of corrective actions
- Staff training coordination
- Quality control monitoring
Senior (5+ years)
- Program management across multiple sites
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Quality system development
- Strategic quality planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic laboratory operations
- Lack of understanding of quality control principles
- Poor documentation practices
- No experience with regulatory requirements
- Unable to explain corrective action procedures
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Automated Scorecards in ATS Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smarter Hiring Decisions
Global Compliance Checks: The Hidden Puzzle Pieces of Background Screening Revealed
Micro-Internships: The Game-Changer in Project-Based Learning
