The VQA supplies blinded specimen panels (proficiency panels) to participating laboratories according to each proficiency program's schedule.  The panels are tested in a manner similar to patient specimens, and the data is collected, analyzed, and then scored by predetermined program criteria. The scores are returned to the laboratory.  If a laboratory has not achieved a satisfactory score, the VQA will proactively help a laboratory to determine the source of error so the problem can be corrected.