1986 saw the start of the world’s first external quality assessment (EQA) programme for leucocyte immunophenotyping in leukaemia diagnostics. The programme started with 19 UK laboratories based in the UK that were undertaking leukaemia immunophenotyping by immunocytochemical techniques, principally using the Alkaline Phosphatase Anti-Alkaline Phosphatase (APAAP) technique. Over the years this programme has expanded to provide EQA services in leucocyte immunophenotyping and haemato-oncology to over 4,500 registrations in 84 countries. Along the way the scheme has developed whole blood stabilisation processes, been involved in writing national and international best practice guidance documents, embraced web-based technology and more recently developed data submission to the EQA database using mobile phone technology, the latter being of particular importance for EQA participation in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
It should not be underestimated that the road ahead for medical laboratories is exciting with new technologies being developed at a rapid rate that will enable scientists and clinicians deliver faster and more reliable diagnoses. However, the delivery of such services has now a major requirement to be underpinned by quality. Furthermore, the use of these new technologies also brings new challenges for the provision of EQA services. The most recent challenges to face EQA programmes, particularly this one, are the rapid growth of molecular diagnostics in leukaemia diagnostics and the use of point of care devices. However, in many respects these challenges, whilst being viewed as new, are probably the same as those faced back in 1986 by a young scientist (is 28 still young?) aiming to deliver an effective EQA. This talk will walk the audience through the challenges UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping has faced over the years and also highlight many of the findings that have helped change the way clinical laboratories operate today.