CEQA (Cytogenetic European Quality Assessment) was established in 2005 as part of the EuroGentest Network of Excellence (Workpackage 1.4). This workpackage aims to improve and harmonise the overall quality of cytogenetic laboratory services across Europe through education and external quality assessment (EQA).

CEQA ran the first pilot EQA in 2006 and participation in the first instance was by invitation only. Participation is now open to any cytogenetic laboratory. Registration for this EQA is open until 1st  June each year and the EQA starts in the first week of June. Laboratories have 5 weeks to complete the online analysis and submit a report.

There are EQA offered now for Prenatal Cytogenetics, Postnatal Cytogenetics, Haemato-Oncology Cytogenetics, Pre-implantation Diagnosis and microarrays (ArrayCGH), for details of current EQAs please see EQA timetable( go to "External Quality Assessment" and select "Diary" from the drop down menu).

The panel of assessors are composed of experts from a number of European countries, many of them National EQA providers.

Following the assessors meeting, participating laboratories will receive a report that includes the recognition of a satisfactory performance, and also constructive comments if necessary.

To download the Participants' Manual for 2010, click here

Last updated: 18th May 2010.