The complete package of quality assurance solutions designed to ensure the accuracy and precision of tests and testing processes
NRL sets the global standard for a range of comprehensive External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS), Quality Control (QC) and Specificity Monitoring programs for a range of infectious diseases.
NRL Quality Assurance Brochure - (click to download and print)
For further information regarding any NRL Quality Assurance programs or for information regarding your local distributor, please contact info@nrl.gov.au.
Click on one of the program names below to read further information.
NRL EQAS assess the integrity of the entire testing process by assessing laboratories' testing processes and test kits used, and identifying and resolving testing problems. Laboratories around the world join NRL EQAS through the DigitalPT International EQA Collaboration.
NRL EQAS participants receive panels that consist of a combination of positive and negative samples that would typically be received in a testing laboratory. They may include low positive samples or samples of varying genotypes or subtypes to challenge assay sensitivity.
On completion of testing, participants report their results online via DigitalPT, an internet-based application. Data are statistically analysed to assist with inter-laboratory comparisons and compiled in a final report. The final report allows participants to compare their results with those of other participants using the same test kits, identify any problems that may exist and receive suggestions as to how the source of the problems may be rectified.
Our extensive experience and scientific methodology are applied to the design and analysis of every NRL EQAS. Compare the EQAS from your current provider with NRL EQAS:
- Genuine and diverse patient samples
- Scientific and technical support to resolve problems in laboratory testing
- A global network of laboratories in more than 50 countries
- Programmes designed specifically for blood screening laboratories
- Fully accredited ISO 17043:2010 provider
Further information regarding NRL EQAS can be found in the current NRL EQAS Catalogue. To order NRL EQAS, simply download, complete and return the NRL EQAS Order Form.
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NRL Collaboration with 
Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD; Glasgow, Scotland) is a leading provider of External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) for clinical molecular diagnostic laboratories testing for infectious diseases. From 2012, NRL is pleased to be able to facilitate Australian laboratories’ participation in QCMD EQAS. NRL will act as a distribution hub for Australian laboratories. In this way, the cost of shipping from Scotland will be reduced. QCMD conducts over 60 different EQAS and provide these services to more than 6,000 laboratories world-wide, ensuring large peer groups for each program. Through this collaboration, NRL and QCMD seek to offer an extended range of EQAS to molecular testing laboratories.
We encourage laboratories to review the range of EQAS available on the QCMD website (www.qcmd.org). Orders should be placed directly on the website.
For further information please contact info@nrl.gov.au.
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NRL QC is a daily monitoring tool to ensure the accuracy and precision of test results. Using NRL’s EDCNet, laboratories can analyse and assess the variation in their test kits in real time, providing an independent mechanism to assure that test results are reliable.
Participants receive low positive QC samples that are customised to the specific test kit. The QC samples are tested as an external control in addition to, and not in place of, the controls provided by the test kit manufacturer.
Test results and information about the test run are submitted via an internet-based application called EDCNet. Following submission, participants can review data in real-time using Shewhart charts and summary data tables. Using NRL QC frequently allows participants to compare their results with those of other participants using the same QC sample and test kit, to identify intra-laboratory and/or test kit variations. Using data from NRL QC, NRL developed a system for estimating and reporting the Uncertainty of Measurement (MU) of test systems. This methodology has been validated independently and accepted by accreditation bodies such as the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
The NRL QC advantage:
- Independent QC samples specifically designed for each test kit
- Tools for monitoring the accuracy and precision of laboratory assays and processes
- Peer group comparisons allow all laboratories using the same test kit/QC combination to connect to a network laboratories worldwide
- NRL's 25 years experience and scientific methodology applied to the design and analysis of NRL QC, including estimations of MU
- Tailored for both diagnostic and blood screening laboratories
- Scientific and technical support to resolve problems associated with laboratory testing
- The use of EDCNet to facilitate real-time electronic results collection, analysis and graphical and tabular reports
NRL QC is available for:
- HIV Serology (Ab and Ag)
- HCV Serology
- HBV Serology (sAg, sAb and cAb)
- HTLV Serology
- Syphilis Serology
- Rubella Serology (IgG and IgM)
- HIV Viral Load
- HCV Viral Load
- HCV Qualitative NAT
- HBV Viral Load
- C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae Qualitative NAT
NRL QC specifically designed for blood screening laboratories:
- HIV-1/HCV/HBV NAT for Novartis Procleix and Roche s201 assays
- HIV/HCV/HBV/HTLV Serology for Abbott PRISM and Architect assays
To join NRL QC, simply download, complete and return the EDCNet Registration Form and Terms & Conditions.
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NRL Specificity Monitoring is a program designed specifically for blood screening laboratories. By monitoring the rate of false reactivity (specificity) of a test kit, blood wastage is reduced to ensure adequate blood supply.
Blood screening laboratories testing for HIV, HCV, HBV and HTLV collate the number of specimens screened each week, test kit and batch information, the number of initially and repeatedly reactive specimens, and the number of confirmed positive samples. These data are submitted to NRL via EDCNet. The initial reactor rate (IRR) and repeat reactor rate (RRR) are calculated. The difference between the IRR and RRR is a measure of the overall laboratory or technical error. This may be calculated for the overall results, for given test kits and even for individual batches of any test kit.
NRL Specificity Monitoring identifies problematic batches of test kits and problems within a laboratory’s testing system. For assays that are used for large numbers of samples, e.g. blood donor testing, the rate of false reactivity (specificity) of a test kit can be monitored. False reactivity in blood screening test kits are usually very small (<1%). However, the accumulated data can be used to assess a test kit's ongoing performance and highlight changes which could have both financial and operational impact.
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