Scheme Design

WEQAS offers a range of CPA (EQA) accredited schemes for Laboratory Medicine. For a full list of the schemes offered, including analytes covered and material provided, please see the EQA Program Schemes section.

General Scheme Format

Samples are distributed to participants on a regular basis, and a window of between one and two weeks, depending on scheme, is allowed for analysis of samples and submission of results. All schemes provide a comprehensive statistical report following processing of a distribution's returns. The report is designed to give a clear picture of a laboratory's performance, to highlight any potential problem areas, and to provide sufficient information to identify types of errors and assist in choosing corrective action.


Report Format Options

Reports are available in Hard copy format by post, or electronic On-line and for download via our secure interactive website. For more information on our interactive service, see the section about WEQAS Interactive.


Subscription Periods

Annual subscription covers a period from April 1st to March 31st, Participants can join at any time throughout the year and will be invoiced on a pro rata basis.


Sample Dispatch

Samples are dispatched within the UK by first class post. Non-UK customers can choose between sample dispatch by Royal Mail AirSure or Courier, either on a per distribution basis, or batched shipments covering several months distributions, shipped on dry ice. Scheme costs will vary depending on the shipment method selected.


Individual Scheme Detail

Please see the individual scheme pages in the EQA Program Schemes area. From here you can also download scheme guides which include analyte ranges, stability studies and material usage.


Report Statistics and Interpretation

For information about report statistics and interpretation of reports, please see the participant's manual available at the foot of this page.

NB Scheme documentation and Method questionnaires for enrolment are also available via the resources area.


Resources