Cystic Fibrosis European Network

CF Network in general

How can I contact the CF Network?

CF EQA Coordination
University of Leuven - Department of Human Genetics
Biomedical Quality Assurance Research Unit
Herestraat 49, box 602, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Fax: +32 (0)16 34 71 90
E-mail:
Website: http://cf.eqascheme.orgExit this website

Scheme co-ordinator
Prof. dr. Els Dequeker
Tel: +32 (0)16 34 58 81

Scheme assistant co-ordinator
Sarah Berwouts
Tel: +32 (0)16 33 01 43

Laboratories can contact the CF Network for any questions, comments, suggestions, complaints etc.

What is the CF Network?

European External Quality Assessment schemes have been set up in 1996 for genetic testing of cystic fibrosis in the context of the 5the framework programme from the European Union.
The CF Network is running in collaboration with EMQN. At the moment, more than 200 laboratories, mostly from Europe, register each year to participate in the CF EQA scheme. Participation of Australasian laboratories is in collaboration with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia Molecular Genetics Quality Assessment Program.

What is the timing for the different phases in the CF EQA cycle?

Beginning of June - end of August: Online registration open
Mid September: Distribution of the samples to the registered participants
Beginning of October - end of November: Datasheet open and submission of the genotype results and written reports.
Beginning of January: Release of genotypes
Beginning of January – beginning of March: Assessment
End of May: General evaluation report and individual comments of the CF EQA scheme available online, certificates sent by post
Till the end of June: Appealing phase for laboratories
Beginning of July: CF Network responds to the appeals and marks become final

What is EQA?

EQA is an abbreviation for External Quality Assessment. EQA is defined by the WHO as “a system of objectively checking laboratory results by means of an external agency. The checking is necessarily retrospective, and the comparison of a given laboratory’s performance on a certain day with that of other laboratories cannot be notified to the laboratory until some later. The main objective of EQA is not to bring about day-to-day consistency, but to establish inter-laboratory compatibility". A large number of laboratories are provided with the same material and they have to send results back to a coordinating centre. The results are compared against each other which enable to verify the accuracy of the individual laboratory. In addition, EQA provides continuous education and training for the laboratories as well.

Laboratories accredited according to ISO 15189 or ISO 17025 should participate in EQA schemes when they are available. The schemes should as far as possible cover the entire examination process from sample reception, sample preparation over the analysis and interpretation (ISO 15189, 5.6.4). Interlaboratory comparison programmes shall be in substantial agreement with ISO/IEC Guide 43-1.

What is the difference between EQA and PT?

"External Quality Assessment" (EQA) and "Proficiency testing" (PT) are often used interchangeably. The difference between EQA and PT is not always clear. EQA is more used in Europe and PT in the US. EQA is more focused on education and continuous improvement; PT is focused on satisfactory performances and authorization.



Last changed: 2010-04-29


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