The Microbiology Quality Assurance Program is one of a number of Programs administered by RCPA Quality Assurance Programs Pty Limited. The aim of the Program is to assess the reliability of methods used by subscribing laboratories and thereby promote a high standard of laboratory practice. The Program is available to all laboratories in Australia and New Zealand.

A number of surveys are undertaken each year, comprising practical tests on sample organisms distributed by the Program. Responses are scored and compiled into a statistical database.

Subscribers are provided with their individual results, together with summaries of the collated results across all responding laboratories. End of year assessments allow individual laboratories comparisons with means calculated from laboratories replying to all surveys.

The Program offers laboratories flexibility in their choice of surveys and allows the selection of those surveys most appropriate to the range of microbiological testing being performed. Laboratories undertaking extensive bacteriological testing of specimens from multiple sites will find the Bacteriology Program provides a comprehensive range of proficiency testing.Laboratories providing a more limited or a specialised service are able to choose individual modules from the range available in the Bacteriology Program. .

Sub-programs cover Mycology, Parasitology, Nucleic Acid Detection, Urine Dipstick Chemistry and STAT Microscopy.

Further information and/or enrolment forms may be obtained by completing the simple form on the Enquiries page.

Direct Data Entry of Results - Please click on the Member Services button

NATA Accredited Proficiency Testing Scheme Provider Number: 14863 This facility is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia and complies with the requirements of ILAC G13.  Site Number: 15809