Q - Is UK NEQAS a commercial organisation?

A - No! Member schemes comply with the UK NEQAS Code of Practice, which requires scheme operations to be on a not-for-profit basis, with any surpluses being re-invested in the schemes or used to reduce participant subscriptions. The UK NEQAS professional body (the Consortium) is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and a Registered UK Charity with educational objectives. Schemes are operated mainly within UK NHS Trust hospitals and Universities, their accounts and subscription charges being subject to annual scrutiny by the Consortium. Find out more in the Management area.

Q - How does an EQA scheme become a UK NEQAS member?

A - Any scheme which can assert compliance with the UK NEQAS Code of Practice can apply to be a full or associate member scheme. Once confirmed by the UK NEQAS Executive Committee, the scheme can then use the UK NEQAS designation and associated service mark.

Q - What relationship does UK NEQAS have with the Government and Department of Health?

A - Prior to the NHS reforms in 1991/1992, UK NEQAS designation was conferred and operation and funding were monitored by a government committee (Advisory Committee on the Assessment of Laboratory Standards - ACALS). After the reforms, ACALS was suspended and subsequently disbanded; UK NEQAS members were encouraged to form their own independent professional organisation and to raise funds by participant subscriptions. Oversight of laboratory quality standards was devolved to the professions acting through the Joint Working Group and Advisory Panels, and in 1996, formal accreditation of all EQA providers by CPA(UK)Ltd was introduced. The UK NEQAS is now an independent professional body with Charitable status; member schemes remain embedded within Hospital Trusts and Universities. UK NEQAS Microbiology are hosted by Public Health England (PHE). PHE is an executive agency of the department of Health.

Q - Is participation in UK NEQAS mandatory for UK clinical laboratories?

A - No. Though participation in an EQA scheme is now part of CPA(UK)Ltd laboratory accreditation standards, and therefore de facto mandatory to achieve this status, participation is still voluntary. Where there are non-UK NEQAS EQA providers, laboratories have a free choice which ones in which to participate. CPA are currently modifying their standards to clarify the wording with respect to the recognition / approval of EQA schemes.