SDMH EQAS

External Quality Assessment Scheme

Month:	Year: 2026	Cycle No.:
Opening Date:		Closing Date:

General Instructions

Intended Use:

This programme involves the testing of biological samples provided as part of the External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS). Although certain infection statuses of the samples may be known pertaining to the samples, all materials, the materials cannot be labeled as non infectious. Participants are advised to follow universal precautions during handling, storage, and testing, as with routine blood samples. The EQAS programme is intended to assess the performance of Blood Centers as per their routine practice.

Instructions for performing tests:

• EQAS samples must be tested in the same manner as routine donor or patient samples, following the standard testing strategy and protocols practiced in the laboratory.

S.No.	Sample No.	Tests	Type of Samples	Preservative	Instructions for use
A.	01 to 05	HBsAg	Serum	0.1%Sodium Azide	Centrifuge Samples
		Anti-HIV1 &2
		Anti-HCV
		Syphilis
B.	06 & 07	Malaria Parasite	Whole Blood	CPDA-1with Preservative	Ready to use mix well before use Note: Light Pink Colour in the Sample is due to CPDA-1 preservative, Not due to hemolysis
		Hemoglobin
C.	08	Direct AntiglobulinTest	5% Red Cells Suspension	Celpresol	Ready to use mix well before use
D.	08to11	ABO Rh (D)	5% RedCells Suspension & Plasma	Celpresol	Ready to use mix well before use (5% Red cells Suspension) & centrifuge plasma before use Note: Light Pink Colour in the Sample is due to CPDA-1 preservative, Not due to hemolysis
E.	12to14	Cross-match with Samples No. 09 to11	Plasma	-	Ready to use Centrifuge plasma before use
F.	15	Antibody Screening and Identification	Plasma	0.1%Sodium Azide	Ready to use Centrifuge plasma before use
G.	16	NAT Test (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test)	Plasma	-	Ready to use Centrifuge plasma before use

Abbreviations Used:

IAHG-Indirect AntiHuman Globulin, LISS-Low Ionic Strength Saline

Instructions for Storage &Testing of EQAS Samples

1. Process the EQAS samples alongside routine donor or patient specimens, using the same methodology, equipment, reagents, and technical staff as employed in routine laboratory practice.

2. Store all samples at 2–8°C for the duration of the testing period.

3. Samples MUST be processed immediately due to short shelf life of red cells.

Note: All EQAS samples are potentially infectious and must be handled in accordance with Biosafety precautions.

EQAS samples must be tested in the same manner as routine donor or patient samples, following the standard testing strategy and protocols practiced in the Blood Centre.

Instructions for Returning the Results

1. Retain the original result entry form and submit results via the designated reporting system

2. Results submitted in any format other than the prescribed one will not be considered for evaluation.

3. Results received after the specified closing date will not be included in the analysis.

4. Maintain all records for audit and verification.

For any queries: email or contact:

Email- eqas@sdmh.in

Phone No- +91-7982732346