External Quality Assessment Program is administered by a designated National Reference Laboratory (NRL) or other local and international EQAP approved by which authority?

External Quality Assessment Program is administered by a designated National Reference Laboratory (NRL) or other local and international EQAP approved by which authority?

• A. DOH
• B. PWD
• C. DOJ
• D. CHED

Answer: (A)

External Quality Assessment Programs are a form of external proficiency testing used to verify that clinical laboratories produce accurate and consistent results. The authority that approves and oversees which EQAPs and National Reference Laboratories are recognized is the health authority responsible for laboratory quality and patient safety. In this context, that role belongs to the Department of Health. The DOH sets standards, accreditation criteria, and oversight for clinical laboratories, ensuring that any EQAP administered by an NRL or approved EQAP provider aligns with national guidelines. The other options do not regulate or approve laboratory QA programs, as they pertain to different sectors. Therefore, the approving authority is the Department of Health.

External Quality Assessment Programs are a form of external proficiency testing used to verify that clinical laboratories produce accurate and consistent results. The authority that approves and oversees which EQAPs and National Reference Laboratories are recognized is the health authority responsible for laboratory quality and patient safety. In this context, that role belongs to the Department of Health. The DOH sets standards, accreditation criteria, and oversight for clinical laboratories, ensuring that any EQAP administered by an NRL or approved EQAP provider aligns with national guidelines. The other options do not regulate or approve laboratory QA programs, as they pertain to different sectors. Therefore, the approving authority is the Department of Health.