ACT Testing

We provide EQA samples for the following devices:

• Hemochron Elite
• Hemochron Signature
• Hemochron Signature Plus
• GEM Hemochron 100
• I-stat1 (kaolin cartridge)
• I-stat1 Alinity (kaolin cartridge)

If you are using any other device not listed above, please contact us

The ACT EQA Programmes consist of 3 surveys per year with 1 sample per survey. To view the current year's survey schedule please click here. Samples are posted out directly to registered participants, samples must be tested and results returned via our website before the deadline. Registered participants will be notified via email when the survey report is available for download from our website, and this is usually within 2 weeks of the deadline. For an explanation of how results are scored, please see below. 

Registration

UK centres can email us for prices addressed to neqas@coageqa.org.uk. If you do not have an account, you can apply here. 

For centres outside of the UK please contact equalsbc@coageqa.org.uk.

The results are analysed and a median (target) value determined. A target range of 20% around the median is calculated. This is the acceptable limit for our samples. If ACT results on the EQA samples are inside the limits, they are considered "within consensus". If results are outside these limits, they are considered "outwith consensus". In this way your results are compared to all other users of the same device using the same samples. Participants' results and performance details are kept in confidence between UK NEQAS BC and the named individuals identified by the participant. If your results are outwith consensus in 3 consecutive surveys you will receive a letter from the Scheme Director bringing this to your attention and offering assistance.

If your centre does not return results for a survey this will be treated in the same manner as an outwith consensus performance. Centres not returning results in 3 consecutive surveys will receive a letter from the Scheme Director indicating performance 'persistently outwith consensus'. UK NEQAS BC acknowledges that staffing problems in a centre may impact on the testing of survey samples, but dates for subsequent surveys are stated on the preceding survey report, allowing forward planning.