For CQAS to operate successfully, it must operate within a spirit of co-operation. Whilst confidentiality is obviously important participants must, and do, accept that there is a need for open discussion. All results are displayed, although user codes are confidential to the user and the Scheme. However, where a participant has a problem they will have initial access to results for similar method codes but can also be put in touch with these laboratories should CQAS gain the appropriate agreement. The main desire has to be to improve the provision of laboratory haematology by a process of education and co-operation rather than mandatory regulation. There are four key issues which are fundamental to the success of the scheme. These are:

 

Rapid turnaround of reports

 

An acceptable and appropriate sample

 

A user-friendly, approachable service

 

The ability and desire to provide constructive, rather than destructiveadvice if things go wrong.  

 

Participants should want to be part of an EQA scheme, not feel that they are compelled to do so. CQAS has a follow-up service which offers encouragement and advice at all times. Key personnel can assist with problem solving and methodology review with the emphasis on education, explanation, liaison and joint investigation.

 

To foster this philosophy, good links with manufacturers of instruments and reagents are vital. This may include the evaluation of new products, agreement on the best statistical grouping for the product within the scheme, user-specific requirements for a particular instrument group and even the provision of custom made systems.

No information is ever disclosed by us to anyone who is not authorised to receive it.   We wish to encourage laboratories to come forward if they have problems, and seek solutions either by communication with other labs or by using our advice service. That isn't to say that a spirit of friendly competition is unhealthy. We still have annual "Awards" for good performance and the gold and silver stars are coveted as unexpected, but pleasant, surprises at Christmas time.