To achieve monitoring of the performance of laboratories in the field of inborn errors of metabolism ERNDIM organises two types of External Quality Assessment Schemes: Quantitative Schemes and Qualitative Schemes. For each of the schemes ERNDIM has invited a scientific expert. Along with the scheme organiser this expert designs the scheme: choice of analytes, concentrations, number of specimens etc. As soon as the design has been established, the scheme organiser prepares specimens according to the design and ships them to the participants.
Quantitative Schemes focus on the numerical outcome of laboratory tests. 6 Schemes are operated: Amino Acids, Special Assays in Urine, Special Assays in Serum, Quantitative Organic Acids in Urine, Purines and Pyrimidines in Urine and Cystine in White Blood Cells.
For the submission of results and request of reports participants use the ERNDIM Interactive Website (for detailed information click button "Interactive Website").
For detailed information on any of these schemes please click one of the schemes below.
Qualitative Schemes focus on the qualitative interpretation of laboratory tests. There is a scheme for Qualitative Organic Acids in Urine. In addition ERNDIM offers five regional proficiency tests in Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland. In these schemes participants must select relevant analysis based on the clinical details provided and interpret the analytical results to indicate a presumptive diagnosis. They must also provide guidance on further testing and treatment options. Results are submitted by mail and annual reports can be requested from the Interactive Website. For detailed information on any of these schemes please click on one of the schemes below.
Pilot Schemes are a third category of schemes. These are new schemes which are evaluated for suitability for one or two years before they get the status of an approved ERNDIM Scheme.
For each of the schemes ERNDIM has invited a scientific expert. Along with the scheme organiser this expert designs the scheme: choice of analytes, concentrations, number of specimens etc. As soon as the design has been established, the scheme organiser prepares specimens according to the design and ships them to the participants.
Certificate. Each year participants receive a Certificate from the ERNDIM Board.