QCMD

QCMD, short for Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics, is an international provider of external quality assessment (EQA) programs for laboratories performing molecular diagnostic testing. Its aim is to help laboratories evaluate and improve the accuracy and reliability of their molecular assays.

In each EQA scheme, participating laboratories receive blinded specimens or materials that simulate real clinical samples. They perform the designated assays and report results using specified formats. QCMD then compiles responses, scores performance against predefined criteria, and provides feedback and benchmarking data. Reports identify strengths, potential pitfalls, and opportunities for improvement, supporting ongoing quality assurance and staff training.

The schemes cover a broad range of molecular testing, including qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid amplification tests, sequencing, mutation analysis, and genotyping. Areas typically encompassed include infectious disease diagnostics, genetic and hereditary testing, and oncology-related assays, among others. Participation is voluntary and open to diagnostic laboratories worldwide, with the goal of fostering comparability of results across platforms and laboratories.

Governance is provided by a scientific advisory board and steering committee to oversee scheme design and scientific integrity. QCMD aligns its programs with international quality standards for external quality assessment and medical laboratories, and its activities complement accreditation and regulatory efforts by providing objective performance data.

Overall, QCMD is used by clinical and research laboratories to demonstrate competence, monitor proficiency, and support continuous improvement in molecular diagnostics, with the broader aim of enhancing patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.