2512002559
  • Open Access
  • Mini Review

A Decade of Progress and Persistent Challenges in Autoimmune Diagnostics: Insights from UK NEQAS (2012–2021)

  • Dina Patel 1, *,   
  • Ravishankar Sargur 1,   
  • Nicola Bizzaro 2,   
  • Maria Infantino 3

Received: 06 Aug 2025 | Revised: 06 Nov 2025 | Accepted: 17 Dec 2025 | Published: 07 Jan 2026

Abstract

External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs play a crucial role in monitoring laboratory performance, identifying inconsistencies, and promoting the adoption of best practices in autoimmune diagnostics. Over the past decade, this field has undergone substantial evolution, driven by technological advances, enhanced standardisation, and increasing efforts toward harmonisation. This review examines findings from two recent studies assessing the decade-long evolution of autoimmune testing through data from the UK National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) programmes. The results highlight considerable progress in the adoption of novel immunoassay technologies and improvements in test standardisation. However, challenges persist, particularly in achieving full harmonisation across laboratories and methodologies.

References 

  • 1.

    Garrafa, E.; Carbone, T.; Infantino, M.; et al. Evolution of autoimmune diagnostics over the past 10 years: Lessons learned from the UK NEQAS external quality assessment EQA programs. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2025, 63, 1153–1159. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2024-0781.

  • 2.

    Infantino, M.; Carbone, T.; Patel, D.; et al. Harmonization of anti-nuclear antibody testing (ANA) by indirect immunofluorescence assay: Results from ten years of UK NEQAS external quality assessment. Clin. Chim. Acta 2025, 567, 120088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2024.120088.

  • 3.

    Tozzoli, R.; Villalta, D.; Bizzaro, N. Challenges in the standardization of autoantibody testing: A comprehensive review. Clin. Rev. Allergy Immunol. 2017, 53, 68–77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-016-8579-y.

Share this article:
How to Cite
Patel, D.; Sargur, R.; Bizzaro, N.; Infantino, M. A Decade of Progress and Persistent Challenges in Autoimmune Diagnostics: Insights from UK NEQAS (2012–2021). Journal of Mosaic of Autoimmunity 2026, 2 (1), 1. https://doi.org/10.53941/jmai.2026.100001.
RIS
BibTex
Copyright & License
article copyright Image
Copyright (c) 2026 by the authors.