Riqas, the Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme, is an international EQA scheme used by 7000 laboratories worldwide, participating in up to nine programmes
Riqas announces the next cycle of the HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) EQA programme to begin on 4 February 2008.
The HbA1c programme from Riqas uses lyophilised human blood, to be analysed monthly.
The EQA samples range from 4-14%, include a linearity series, and cover clinically important decision levels.
Once reconstituted, the EQA samples are stable at 2-8C for three months and can be used for internal quality control purposes.
Participants will receive additional added-value samples during the course of the 12-month cycle.
Comprehensive reports compare participant performance to the overall results of all laboratories using the same instrument and method.
Participants register as IFCC-aligned, DCCT/NGSP-aligned or non-aligned.
Riqas reports are sent by e-transfer within two days of the final date for submission of results or posted within three days of the final date.
HbA1c is used to evaluate diabetics' average blood glucose levels over the preceding 6-8 weeks.
Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with an increased risk of diabetes complications.
Different methods of determining HbA1c can produce varying laboratory results, illustrating the importance of EQA in HbA1c measurement.
EQA plays a vital role in the harmonisation of HbA1c results worldwide.
