UK NEQAS for Microbiology and UK NEQAS for Parasitology provide international external quality assessment for clinical laboratories, blood banks, point of care testing centres and other testing sites that carry out examinations in the following areas:

• General bacteriology and Mycology
• Molecular testing: Bacteriology, Parasitology and Virology
• Serological testing: Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology
• Blood donor testing: Blood borne viruses and syphilis
• Parasitology

Several methodologies covered including point of care testing. Specimens are designed to simulate clinical samples and allow participants to use their routine methodologies, unless otherwise advised. Further information is available for:

• The basics and benefits of external quality assessment
• Report formats and information provided in the reports
• Distribution policy, participant responsibilities and performance monitoring