National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for HIV/STI was introduced in 2006. This program started off in 2006 with 26 participants which later expanded to 47 participants in the 15th round to include most of the laboratories with serological testing facilities across the country. The External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) is one of the most effective tools to access the laboratory performance. The 16th Round of proficiency testing has seen an increased in participating centers from 47 to 54, an increase by 7 additional centers with serology services. Fifty of 54 (92.6%) centers have responded on time whereas 3 centers (5.6%) have failed to respond and one center responded beyond the closing date of the 16th round.
National External Quality Assurance Scheme, 16th Round (August-October 2018)