EQA Schemes
Enhancing Accuracy with EQA SchemesExternal Quality Assurance (EQA) for Microbiology Laboratories
Proficiency testing (PT) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) are essential for verifying the accuracy and consistency of laboratory testing. At BMS Micro, we design specialist EQA schemes for clinical microbiology laboratories, helping them demonstrate compliance with ISO 15189, UKAS accreditation, and other industry standards.
Our EQA samples undergo rigorous assessment for homogeneity and stability, ensuring high-quality, consistent testing conditions. Laboratories have the flexibility to focus on specific components – for example, analysing a urine sample for microscopy only – with tailored scoring to reflect individual testing objectives.
We also accommodate multiple result submissions for validation, staff training, and competency assessment, ensuring laboratories can maintain robust quality assurance practices without introducing bias into performance evaluations.
Beyond EQA: Personalised Microbiology Quality Control Support
At BMS Micro, we go beyond traditional proficiency testing providers by offering personalised support to laboratories. If test discrepancies arise, we work directly with microbiologists and quality managers to:
Rather than relying on automatic repeat testing, we encourage laboratories to perform root-cause analysis, helping refine diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary repeat testing costs.
Partner with BMS Micro for Clinical Microbiology Quality Assurance
With a strong reputation in clinical microbiology EQA and quality control, BMS Micro is a trusted partner for laboratories, hospitals, and diagnostic centres.
Contact us today to learn how our microbiology quality assurance solutions can enhance the precision of your laboratory’s testing processes.
Download EQA Schemes Summary
Get a detailed overview of BMS Micro’s EQA schemes with our comprehensive summary. The downloadable PDF contains key information, including product codes, sample descriptions, tests assessed, and more, helping you make informed decisions for your laboratory’s quality control needs.
BMS Micro EQA Schemes
See below for a brief outline of the BMS Micro EQA Schemes.
Trichomonas vaginalis
TVE01
Samples submitted as simulated High Vaginal Swabs / Low Vaginal Swabs in modified charcoal transport media. Alternative media such as Copan transport media is available (2).
Tests assessed and units:
Detection of :- Trichomonas, Candida spp. Group B HS (S. agalactiae).
Number of samples per distribution: 4
Number of distributions per year: 4
Bacterial Vaginosis
BVE02
Samples submitted as air dried, heat fixed unstained slides.
Tests assessed and units:
Report on BV status Normal, Intermediate, Abnormal by recognised Grading System.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 4
Acanthamoeba
ACE03
Simulated Corneal Scrape Presented as 3.0 ml liquid samples in saline.
Tests assessed and units:
Detection of Acanthamoeba. Trophozoites and / or Cysts may be present.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 3
Blood Cultures
BCE05
Samples presented as a set of paired bottles, O2 and AnO2 together with paediatric bottle. Samples are matched with participating laboratory routine instrument and pre-inoculated ready to be directly loaded.(2)
Tests assessed and units:
Organism isolated and identification. Where requested includes reporting on resistance markers. Laboratories are also asked to report TTD although this is not assessed.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 6
Urine Analysis
QUE06
Simulated 20 ml urine samples in Boric Acid bottles. Samples may be Mid-Stream Urine, Catheter specimen or Supra-Pubic Aspirate.
Tests assessed and units:
Analysis of WBC/µl Semi-Quantitative Culture (cfu/ml within an appropriate range) Organism Identification and first line sensitivity testing where requested.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 4
Mycobacteria Blood Culture
MBE07
Pre-inoculated Myco/F Lytic Blood culture bottles Samples also available in lithium heparin whole blood collection tubes.
Tests assessed and units:
Detection of Mycobacteria spp.
Number of samples per distribution: 2
Number of distributions per year: 3
Mycology Microscopy and Culture
MYE08
Samples are presented as nail clippings for analysis.
Tests assessed and units:
Microscopy for fungal hyphae and culture for dermatophytes.
Number of samples per distribution: 2
Number of distributions per year: 4
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CFE09
Samples presented as simulated CSF 4.0ml.
Tests assessed and units:
WBC count/µl
Gram stain
Organism ID and where requested includes reporting of resistance marker.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 4
Cryptosporidia / Giardia
CGE10
Samples presented as 3.0ml liquid faeces.
Tests assessed and units:
Presence / absence of Cryptosporidia and / or Giardia.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 4
Mycology Microscopy
MYE11
Samples are presented as nail clippings for analysis.
Tests assessed and units:
Microscopy for fungal hyphae.
Number of samples per distribution: 2
Number of distributions per year: 4
Extended Enteric Scheme
ENE12
Samples presented as routine faeces specimens.
Tests assessed and units:
Presence / absence of Enteric Pathogens as indicated below.
Number of samples per distribution: 5
Number of distributions per year: 4
S. aureus MSSA / MRSA
PVL-MSSA PVL-MRSA
SAE13
Samples presented as simulated screening swabs in charcoal transport medium.
Alternative media such as Copan transport media is available (2).
Tests assessed and units:
Presence / absence of target organism MSSA or MRSA. Includes testing for Panton-Valentine Leucocidin toxin (PVL-MSSA) and (PVL-MRSA) where tested.
Number of samples per distribution: 3
Number of distributions per year: 4
Sterile Body Fluids including but not limited to Joint Fluid, Ascitic Fluid, Pleural Fluid.
FLE14
Simulated sterile fluid samples, volume of sample will vary in relation to sample and examination requested. Nominal volume 4.0ml to 10.0ml.
Tests assessed and units:
Presence / absence of Enteric Pathogens as indicated below.
Number of samples per distribution: 5
Number of distributions per year: 4