Agatha Saez

Healthcare Scientist Team Manager and Quality Lead

I joined the team in 2004 as a Laboratory Support Staff member and have progressed to my current position as Healthcare Scientist Team Manager and Quality Lead.

My specialist area is microscopy-based identification of faecal and blood parasites. I prepare, evaluate, and perform pre- and post-distribution quality control of External Quality Assessment (EQA) specimens. Drawing on my expertise in clinical parasitology, I contribute to the design, quality assurance, and stability assessment of specimens used across the UK NEQAS Parasitology schemes.

I lead the international specimen collection programme, which plays a vital role in maintaining the continuity and quality of the schemes. I also analyse participant results and prepare reports for all UK NEQAS Parasitology schemes, supporting the delivery of high-quality educational and performance assessment services.

As Quality Lead, I maintain UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17043:2023, ensuring compliance with quality standards and the continual improvement of scheme processes. I also provide operational and scientific leadership for UK NEQAS Parasitology assisting the Scheme Manager and support the delivery of the associated UK NEQAS teaching programme.