Hands-on experience and expert guidance are essential for ensuring quality control and alignment with ISO standards for EQA.

External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a must for all laboratories engaged in QMS or accreditation. The increasing cost of International EQA has impacted the participation of laboratories. This has led to more countries looking at cost-effective national EQA to align with ISO requirements for clinical laboratories.

Based on the outcomes of the National EQA program development workshop, this hands-on training will allow participants to prepare various simulated microbiological samples. They will receive all standard operating procedures, produce and ensure quality control on simulated samples such as stools, pus swabs, urine and some serology.

During specific sessions, participants will focus on long-term storage of reference and clinical bacterial strains, quality control procedures, biosafety, labeling and packaging of survey samples, and EQA interface demonstrations.

This bench-level training will be organized after a 5-day National EQA program development workshop. Discounts are offered to groups of 3+ people and registrants in both EQA workshop and bench-level training.

Advantages

Expert guidance from international lab specialists

Hands-on exercises from sample preparation to packaging

Comprehensive documentation kit for your country

Unique opportunity for training on simulated sample preparation

Skills You Will Gain

By the end of the 5-day session, you will be able to:

  • Control reference strains, reagents, and media
  • Prepare simulated bacteriological samples and others
  • Conduct quality control and homogeneity procedures
  • Manage sample labeling and packaging
  • Launch the first survey and ship parcels to laboratories

Program

Control strains and culture media production

  • Storage of control/ reference strains
  • Subculture of control/ reference strains – practical
  • Main principles of culture media production including quality control
  • Preparation of simulated sample components (lentils, broth, etc.) – practical

Biosafety and simulated sample production

  • Review of previous day’s work
  • Biosafety practices and resources
  • Quality control of media, reagents, lentils – practical
  • Simulated sample production – practical

Simulated sample production and Quality control

  • Review of previous day’s work – practical
  • Simulated sample production continued – practical
  • Quality control and homogeneity of simulated samples – practical

Labeling, packaging, and associated documentation

  • Review of previous day’s work – practical
  • Labeling and packaging of proficiency testing schemes
  • Formatting of paperwork – practical
  • Labeling and packaging – practical

P&P finalization, grading, and shipment

  • Grading system review
  • Finalization of documentation: SOPs, Policies and procedures (P&P), etc. – practical
  • EQA interface demonstration – practical
  • Q&A session

Lunch and coffee breaks will be provided on the spot every day to ensure sustained energy and focus throughout the sessions.

At a glance

Location: Lyon, France

Duration: 22–26 September 2025 (5 days)

Languages: English

Target audience:

  • Microbiologists, laboratory technologists, and technicians
  • EQA scheme managers or production staff

Number of participants: 10 to 15

Lunches and coffee breaks included

Price: TBD

Discounts are offered to groups of 3+ people and registrants in both EQA workshop and EQA bench-level training.

Downloads

    • Training syllabus
    • Plan your stay in Lyon guide

Meet the Facilitators

Vivian Fensham (EN)

International laboratory specialist. QMS and national EQA expert

About the IQLS Training Hub

Our Training Hub facility is designed to offer multiple training modes, from lectures to project work, discussions, interactive exercises, and laboratory simulations.

Supporting active learning and enabling frequent interaction, it offers the perfect atmosphere for meetings, workshops, training, and seminars.

Conveniently located in Lyon, France, our Training Hub is easily accessible via direct flight from 100+ cities and is only 2 hours by train from Paris.

Equipped BSL-2 laboratory

Modern equipment
and fast Wi-Fi connection

Extensive library
in paper and electronic formats

Easily accessible with the
Lyon International Airport

Testimonials from previous trainings

Frequently Asked Questions

I need a visa to come to France. What should I do?

Once the workshop is confirmed, we will promptly send you an invitation letter to support your visa application.

To ensure a smooth process, we recommend scheduling an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa center in your country at least two months before the session’s starting date.

What payment methods do you accept?

We offer flexible payment options to suit your convenience. Choose from credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer to complete your registration.

How can I get an invoice?

Rest assured, once your payment is confirmed, an invoice will be promptly sent to the email address you provided during registration.

How can I plan my trip to Lyon?

After registration, you will receive an email with all the essential information to help you plan your trip to Lyon.

Should you have any questions or encounter any hiccups along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the online form or at training@iqls.net.

Will I get a certificate after the training?

Absolutely! At the end of the training, you will be awarded a printed and electronic certificate in the language of your choice.

I have a special request regarding my participation.

Sure! Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form on this page or send us an email at training@iqls.net. Our dedicated team is ready and eager to assist you!

Training in a Nutshell

Location: Lyon, France

Duration: 22–26 September 2025 (5 days)

Languages: English

Target audience:

  • Microbiologists, laboratory technologists, and technicians
  • EQA scheme managers or production staff

Number of participants: 10 to 15

Lunches and coffee breaks included

Price: TBD

Discounts are offered to groups of 3+ people and registrants in both EQA workshop and EQA bench-level training.

Any Question? Contact Us!