Quality of coagulation testing for the benefit of the patient

The ECAT Foundation is a non-profit organisation providing an international External Quality Assessment Programme (EQAP) for laboratories working in the field of haemostasis and thrombosis. The aim of the ECAT Foundation is to assess the quality of clinical laboratory testing, in order to support continuous improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The ECAT Foundation strives to be an internationally leading external quality assessment organisation in the field of specialised laboratory testing for thrombosis and haemostasis.

The external quality assessment programme of the ECAT Foundation distinguishes itself by offering a wide range of parameters using human, and, if possible, patient-based, plasma samples, user-friendly web-based result submission forms, and clear and informative reports with state-of-the-art statistical evaluations. The ECAT Foundation is able to provide these services at competitive prices.

The ECAT Foundation closely monitors diagnostic developments in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis with the purpose of developing further its external quality assessment programme.

We, at the ECAT Foundation, are a transparent organisation and as such aim for a high customer satisfaction and are open to suggestions from participants. Confidentiality of participant details is paramount.

To support its core activity, external quality assessment in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis, the ECAT Foundation develops scientific projects, publishes scientific publications and organises educational activities (e.g. participant meetings, webinars, courses).

The ECAT Foundation pursues an open relationship with all stakeholders (participants, distributors, diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies and producers of plasma samples for external quality assessment purposes). The ECAT Foundation is also active in a number of international societies and organisations (e.g. SSC/ISTH, ICSH, EQALM and EQATH).

The external quality assessment programme of the ECAT Foundation is accredited according to the ISO 17043:2023 standard.[1]

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^[1] For an actual overview of those modules that are covered by the accreditation, see the scope document in the accreditation section on our website