====Alternative approaches====
For those tests where a formal EQA is not available, the laboratory shall adopt alternative approaches to validate performance. Such alternative approaches are:
  -Replicate testing
  -Examination of split samples (within the laboratory)
  -Use of reference methods & materials, where available
  -Exchange of samples with other accredited laboratories

**When the laboratory exchanges samples with other laboratories as an alternative approach to EQA participation, following needs to be addressed:**\\
In the case of comparison between 2 laboratories, one will function as the “reference laboratory” against which the other will be compared. This is to be documented as an MoU\\
**When there are several laboratories, compare the result against the “reference laboratory”**\\
The results obtained shall be compared statistically and for guidance, the laboratory may refer to the most current edition of CLSI document EP9 - Measurement Procedure Comparison and Bias Estimation Using Patient Samples.