Survey Participation

To ensure product availability, orders for 2026 proficiency testing programs should be placed no later than December 5, 2025 by using the online “Request a Quote” application below, or by sending an email to info@iqmh.org. After this date, due to the number of samples available, surveys are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

New in 2026

New Surveys

Bacteriology –Digital Gram Stain (BACT-DGS)

•  Digital slides are provided for the identification of gram-stained organisms with follow-up multi-select questions.
   

Bacteriology –Unstained Gram Stain (BACT-UGS)

• Unstained methanol fixed glass slides are provided for staining and to identify bacteria and/or yeast, with follow-up questions.
   

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CHEM-BNP)

• Frozen Plasma provided for testing of BNP and NT-pro BNP.
   

Cytology Non-Gynecological and Gynecological Educational  (CYTO-NGE, CYTO-GE)

• Digital slides and/or static images are provided with follow-up multiple choice questions, designed to expose participants to unique cases and enhance their learning. 
   

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (HEMA-SR1, HEMA-SR2)

• Suitable for manual and automated methods of testing ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate).
   

Genetics - Oncology Florescence In Situ Hybridization (GENE-FSH)

• Simulated digital slides, composed of interphase FISH nuclei from clinical cases are provided. Each challenge includes follow-up multiple-choice questions for both technical and interpretive assessment.
   

Hematology – Malaria Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (HEMA-LAMP)

• Testing for Plasmodium species DNA by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology.
   

Pathology – Educational (PATH-E)

• An educational survey. Individual laboratory performance is not assessed, ideal for training and competency assessment.

Point-of-Care Testing – Group A Streptococcus (POCT-GAS)

• Rapid detection of Group A Streptococcus using a simulated throat swab.
• Compatible with Rapid Antigen, POCT Molecular and PCR methods.
   

Modified Surveys

Chemistry – Blood Gases (CHEM-BG)

• Sample quantity change: 2 samples per survey increased to 3 samples per survey for 2026. 
   

Chemistry – Urinalysis (CHEM-UDIP)

• This survey is no longer separated into two packages—participants reporting hCG only will now receive 10mL vials and will have the option to report hCG only or additional analytes on the Analysis Worksheet. 
   

Cytology Non-Gynecological and Gynecological (CYTO-NG AND CYTO-G)

• These surveys will no longer include an educational digital case component. The educational case is now part of a separate survey (see CYTO-NGE and CYTO-GE).
• The survey submission period has been extended to 10 business days.
   

Cytology Gynecology (CYTO-G)

• Participants have the option to choose from two packages consisting of: 
  • Pkg 1: Five ThinPrep® preparations. 
  • Pkg 2: One conventional and four liquid-based preparations (ThinPrep® and SurePath™).  
• Ontario Licensed Laboratories will automatically receive Pkg 1. If Pkg 2 is preferable, please reach out to info@iqmh.org. 
   

Pathology (PATH-IHC, PATH-SS)

• Participants can now enroll by individual Special Sstains and/or IHC markers.

Using the Quote Request Application

Review the available programs by selecting the discipline name from the list below. Click on the “Program Details” button to find detailed information regarding each program. Please review to ensure survey material compatibility with your analytical system before requesting a quote.

Requesting a quote is easy! Simply select the programs you are interested in and submit your quote request by clicking on the “Request Quote” button at the bottom of the screen. You will receive the quote by email within five business days. After you review the quote you must "accept" the quote online by clicking the "Accept" quote button. Once you accept the quote, your laboratory will be enrolled into the program and then you will receive an invoice. If you need assistance, please contact IQMH at info@iqmh.org. 

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