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Semin Thromb Hemost 2007; 33(3): 259-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-971812
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

External Quality Assessment Schemes in Coagulation in Germany: Between Regulatory Bodies and Patient Outcome

Michael Spannagl1 , 2 , Andrea Dick1 , 2 , Hans Reinauer1
  • 1Division of Haemophilia and Thrombosis, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
  • 2INSTAND, Düsseldorf, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
10 April 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

In the early 1980s, the first external quality assessment schemes (EQAS) regarding parameters of the coagulation laboratory were established in the daily routine of German laboratories. At present, the EQAS performed by INSTAND offers a wide range of global and single parameters of thrombosis and hemostasis. Only the participation in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time exercises is mandatory. However, devices applied for patient self-management of oral anticoagulation are not included. This article provides an overview of the EQA activities of INSTAND regarding different coagulation parameters. Problems in acquiring adequate sample material and strategies in establishing acceptability ranges are also discussed.

KEYWORDS

External quality assessment schemes (EQAS) - coagulation - sample material - acceptability criteria - self-management of oral anticoagulation

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Michael SpannaglM.D. Ph.D. 

Division of Haemophilia and Thrombosis, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Munich

Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336 Munich, Germany

Email: mispannagl@tonline.de

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