CEQA is open to all cytogenetic laboratories but preference will be given to laboratories from Europe if an EQA is oversubscribed. Laboratories with purely research or industrial roles, manufacturers of diagnostic instruments and reagents, and other laboratories are also welcome to participate. Manufacturers may do so on an 'information only' basis, i.e. receiving samples and returning results.
Registration
Laboratories can register with the Scheme throughout the year. Full details of the laboratory are requested in the online registration form and once the registration is approved a user name and password) are issued. Laboratories also receive a unique laboratory code (50***) which remains associated with that participant and should be quoted in all correspondence with the Scheme Office.
EQA timetable
In March each year the EQA timetable is published on the website listing all the EQAs available for the current year. Registered laboratories will be notified by email once the timetable is available online. PLEASE NOTE: The Scheme Office takes every care to ensure that all email reminders reach all participants; however, it is the participating laboratory’s responsibility to ensure that all email addresses are correct and all staff involved in the EQA are aware of the relevant dates. These dates can be found on the EQA timetable as well as on the secure website.
In March each year the EQA timetable is published on the website listing all the EQAs available for the current year. Registered laboratories will be notified by email once the timetable is available online. PLEASE NOTE: The Scheme Office takes every care to ensure that all email reminders reach all participants; however, it is the participating laboratory’s responsibility to ensure that all email addresses are correct and all staff involved in the EQA are aware of the relevant dates. These dates can be found on the EQA timetable as well as on the secure website.
Enrolment
From March to May each year registered laboratories can enrol in the EQAs they wish to participate in for the current year. Invoicing for registration and EQA fees occurs at the end of the enrolment period.
From March to May each year registered laboratories can enrol in the EQAs they wish to participate in for the current year. Invoicing for registration and EQA fees occurs at the end of the enrolment period.
Charges
EQA charges are based on the full costs of providing EQA services according to the not-for-profit terms of the CEQA Code of Practice (see Appendix B of the participants' manual) and are set annually in agreement with the Steering Committee. A list of charges is available under “EQA Timetable”. Pilot EQAs are free of charge.
Annual administration fee
This is charged to cover general administrative costs of the Scheme and is set at £110.
