ASSESSMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS AND DETERMINANTS OF PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES IN CLINICAL LABORATORIES IN VIETNAM
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Abstract
This survey aimed to evaluate the performance of the national clinical biochemistry external quality assessment (EQA) program and to identify factors associated with unsatisfactory results among participating laboratories. All laboratories that participated in the biochemistry EQA program between October 2024 and February 2025 were included in the analysis. A cross-sectional descriptive design was applied using data from five consecutive EQA rounds. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests to determine significant differences between groups.
A total of 240 laboratories from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam participated, with 15 biochemical parameters evaluated. The proportion of unsatisfactory results varied across analytical methods and EQA rounds. The three main causes of unsatisfactory performance were equipment malfunction or lack of regular maintenance and calibration (21.18%), the use of third-party reagents (17.56%), and the lack of verification of measurement procedures (16.47%). More than 90% of samples met temperature and packaging integrity requirements upon arrival. However, 76.47% of laboratories used open analytical systems, and 64.70% lacked verification records. Most laboratories reviewed their results when deviations were detected (81.18%), relied on the SDI index for evaluation (90.59%), and participated in continuous training programs (71.76%).
The findings indicate that EQA programs play an essential role in standardizing laboratory procedures, improving technical capacity, and strengthening the reliability of laboratory testing activities.
Keywords: Biochemistry, External Quality Assessment, Proficiency Testing, Failure Reasons
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References
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