Annual Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Immunohematology Testing in Korea (2016)

ABSTRACT

We report here the 2016 results of surveys on an external quality assessment (EQA) for immunohematology testing in Korea carried out in 2016. The proficiency testing specimens were prepared at Ajou University Hospital, and the specimens were sent to participants biannually. The average accuracy rates (N=the number of participants) for ten different test items on the regular survey were as follows ABO typing, 98.9%–99.7% (N=627); RhD typing, 98.6%–99.8% (N=607); crossmatching, 90.1%–98.1% (N=454); ABO subtyping, 92.7%–93.0% (N=42); Rh CcEe antigen testing, 97.8%–100.0% (N=46); weak D test, 70.8%–73.6% (N=91); antibody screening, 96.6%–100.0% (N=267); direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using a polyspecific reagent, 92.2%–99.6% (N=49); DAT using an immunoglobulin G monospecific reagent, 84.1%–100.0% (N=68); DAT using a C3d monospecific reagent, 80.0%–100.0% (N=68); antibody identification, 96.7%–99.1% (N=118); and ABO antibody titration, 82.4%–100.0% (N=42). Excellent results for the 2016 EQA for immunohematology testing were obtained, except for those of the weak D test. The EQA for immunohematology testing in 2016 should be helpful for improving the quality of participating laboratories.