Characterisation and evaluation of external quality assessment scheme serum. Discussion paper from the European External Quality Assessment (EQA) Organisers Working Group C.

This work reviews the procurement, specification and manufacture of serum for external quality assessment (EQA) and provides a checklist for scheme organisers. Guidance on the assessment of commutability and notes on the use of EQA materials to assess assay problems are provided. The importance of the appropriateness of materials in respect of scheme design and objectives, and the essential nature of a detailed specification prior to manufacture are emphasised.