Three programs are offered to cover the needs of both routine and specialist laboratories. There are 4 Major and 8 Minor surveys per year which include regular questionnaires on procedure and protocol. The major surveys cover a range of tests that include quantitative evaluation of full blood counts, haemostasis, vitamin B12, serum folate, red cell folate, ferritin, haemoglobin electrophoresis and other laboratory tests. Major surveys also offer a qualitative examination in morphology which allows subscribers to participate in diagnosing interesting case studies. Minor surveys offer a full blood count and differential.
Participants elect to join one of three groups, broadly based on the range of tests performed.
Acceptable performance is established based on a set deviation from a peer group or comparative method mean. For qualitative procedures the consensus method, in conjunction with an expert referee panel is used for establishing evaluation criteria. The 4 surveys per year include random questionnaires on procedure and protocol. Assessment is made by a panel of referees who are experts in their field. Assessment by survey where identical specimens are sent to subscribers for testing.