In 2023, IQMH conducted a focused questionnaire investigating the landscape of Anti-Nuclear Antibody/Anti-Cell Antibody (ANA/ACA) testing across Canadian laboratories.

This questionnaire explored reporting practices, standardization with the International Consensus on ANA Pattern (ICAP) recommendations, and challenges faced by laboratories in implementing ICAP recommendations. Staff education, maintaining competency, and training of staff were barriers identified by laboratories. Ninety percent of participating laboratories expressed interest in educational dry-slide challenges.

In response to this demand, IQMH is pleased to introduce the Immunology Educational Survey (IMGY-E) for the 2024 testing year. This educational survey is designed with training and competency assessment of laboratories in mind. Case studies will assess ANA/ACA pattern identification, focusing on infrequently encountered patterns, through multiple-choice questions using digital images. Committee Comments will enhance participant understanding of clinical and laboratory investigations related to immunology-related diseases.  

Discover how your laboratory can participate in the educational IMGY-E survey to elevate your team’s confidence and competence in ANA/ACA testing — find details in the 2024 Proficiency Testing Catalogue and Quote Tool. https://iqmh.org/Proficiency-Testing/Catalogue