External Quality Assessment Scheme for Transfusion Transmissible Infections among Blood Service Facilities in the Philippines, 2015

Abstract

The External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) for Blood Screening Serology aims to raise standards and assess the phases of laboratory testing of blood units. 

In 2015, the National Blood Program listed a total of 200 Blood Service Facilities (BSF)147 of which enrolled for EQAS. These participants were given an EQAS panel designed to check the capacity of a BSF to detect the 5 transfusion transmitted infections (HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria). Panels should be tested how a blood unit is routinely screened to mimic the actual laboratory process. This allows the NRL and participant to check and validate the entire blood unit screening process. 

Test results were analyzed by OASYS Canada using the ISO 13528:2005 Robust Statistics method (Huber’s Method) to identify outliers. Data analysis from the test event showed a significant number of participants that reported aberrant results due to errors related to random or systematic errors. This also showed deviations from standard practice recommended by the Department of Health as well as a comparison of different test platforms for blood screening.

Ultimately, the data gathered from the EQAS are used to improve on policies for blood screening and set recommendations for the safety of the Philippine blood supply.