External Quality Control

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External Quality Control

  • External quality control (also called proficiency testing or PT) evaluates a laboratory's testing results by comparing them to those of similar laboratories.
  • Specially prepared specimens are obtained by multiple laboratories participating in the proficiency testing program.
  • These "unknowns" are then tested by the participating laboratories and results are returned to the proficiency testing program.
  • For external quality control, the laboratory must use its routine testing methods.