External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a must for all laboratories engaged in QMS, certification or accreditation.

 

The increasing cost of International EQA – panel preparation, transportation, particularly for live microorganisms – 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 labs. A good alternative is developing a national EQA program for bacteriology, serology, and PCR, allowing high-quality simulated specimens to be prepared within a well-documented program.

 

This workshop aims to develop policies and procedures for a national EQA program. The attendees will receive comprehensive documentation, procedures, and guidelines expediting the program implementation and create a roadmap for EQA activities in their country of work.

 

This 5-day workshop will be followed by a 5-day National EQA bench-level training. 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

Roadmap for ISO 17043 implementation in your country

Comprehensive documentation kit for your country

International collaboration and networking

Skills You Will Gain

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

  • Describe the EQA aims, goals, and international context
  • Choose a relevant EQA program for their country
  • Plan the creation or reinforcement of a National EQA unit
  • Summarize the critical components of an EQA program
  • Develop technical specifications for the national EQA management database
  • Create a roadmap for EQA-related activities

Workshop Program

EQA aim and goal

  • International context of EQA and International Health Regulations
  • Introduction to EQA: from EQA to CAPA
  • Successful national EQA programs around the world

International EQA and subscription

  • Review of the country reference laboratories
  • EQA and ISO 17043
  • Review of the existing EQA programs
  • International EQA providers
  • Selection of relevant international EQA programs

National EQA unit and its components

  • Creation of an EQA unit
  • Components of EQA Services
  • Planning EQA services
  • Draft policies and procedures (P&P)

Database specifications

  • Introduction to the EQA database
  • Database specifications: types, analyses, pathogens, modules, grading, data verification, reporting, etc.
  • Demonstration of an EQA online interface

EQA planning

  • Drafting policies and procedures (to be continued back in country)
  • Creation of a roadmap for the country EQA activities
  • Final wrap-up and Q&A

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

In Other Languages

At a glance

Location: Lyon, France

Dates: 15–19 September 2025 (5 days)

Languages: English, French, Russian

Target audience:

  • National EQA program scheme managers and staff
  • QA division team members
  • ISO specialists
  • Laboratory coordination specialists
  • Technical staff from specialized units involved in EQA sample preparation
  • Technical advisors working for funders, NGOs, or institutions involved in EQA

Number of participants: 10 to 20

Lunches and coffee breaks included

Price: € XXX

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

Downloads

Meet the Facilitators

Vivian Fensham (EN)

International laboratory specialist. QMS and national EQA expert

Dr. Jean-Baptiste Ronat (FR, EN)

MPH, PhD, Microbiologist, ARM specialist. IQLS CEO

Zaruhi Davtyan (EN, RU)

Food safety laboratory specialist. IQLS Project manager

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 practical training, workshops, 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 workshops

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Once your registration 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 your country’s embassy, consulate, or visa center at least two months before the session’s starting date.

How can I find a sponsorship for my participation in the training?

We recommend reaching out to the organizations that may provide sponsorship or support training initiatives in global public health, such as the CDC Country Office, WHO Country Office, Global Fund, World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), or national Ministry of Health.

You can find the list of institutions on this link.

Do you offer discounts for the workshop?

We offer the following discounts:

  • Groups starting from 3 people registering for the same training or workshop
  • Individuals registering for both EQA workshop and bench-level training (total duration of 2 weeks)

You can select the applicable option on the registration page.

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 workshop?

Absolutely! At the end of the workshop, 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!

Workshop in a Nutshell

 

Location: Lyon, France

Dates: 15–19 September 2025 (5 days)

Languages: English, French, Russian

Target audience:

  • National EQA program scheme managers and staff
  • QA division team members
  • ISO specialists
  • Laboratory coordination specialists
  • Technical staff from specialized units involved in EQA sample preparation
  • Technical advisors working for funders, NGOs, or institutions involved in EQA

Number of participants: 10 to 20

Lunches and coffee breaks included

Price: € XXX

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

Any Question? Contact Us!