CMV DNA Quantification
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Within scope of accreditation
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in severely immunocompromised patients. Due to the toxicity of the anti-viral drugs identifying those patients most at risk for developing disease prior to disease onset is recommended. This results in anti-viral treatment for patients at risk for disease only. CMV viral load testing is routinely used to determine when to initiate pre-emptive therapy, diagnose active disease, and monitor the response to therapy.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining levels of CMV DNA
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for three weeks. Intended results are usually uploaded the day after closing date. Late results are not accepted after intended results are uploaded.
DATA ANALYSIS:
The report displays absolute quantitation data (log) for each specimen reported by method; this data includes the number of users, range, median concentration and values at 5%, 95% percentiles. For performance assessment the uncertainty of the median difference of the participants’ results is calculated to confirm the appropriateness of applying the assessment criterion. General descriptive statistics.
PERFORMANCE SCORING:
Consensus. Participants are assessed on their ability to report to within a fixed value of the average of assay medians log difference in results reported between the two specimens (assessment criterion). This fixed value is 0.5 log. Also see scoring policy
PERFORMANCE MONITORING:
PERSISTENT POOR PERFORMANCE:
See the Annual Directory for UK and Irish participants only
Microbiology
The first distribution of UK NEQAS for Microbiology was sent out by the then Public Health Laboratory Services on the 1st of May 1971 organised by Dr Peter Crone. This distribution consisted of one scheme, three bacteriology specimens, sent to 67 laboratories in the UK. One of our recent distributions consisted of 12 different schemes, comprising 8 bacteriology, 13 serology, 10 molecular and 9 mycology specimens, and sent to 53 countries representing over 1300 laboratories. UK NEQAS for Microbiology, operated by UK Health Security Agency, is a UKAS accredited proficiency testing provider No. 4715. For the most up-to-date scheme information (including any pilot schemes) please contact the centre directly.
Contact Details
- UK NEQAS for Microbiology
- UK Health Security Agency
- PO Box 63003
- London
- NW9 5HT
Microbiology
- Telephone: +44 (0) 208 905 9890
- Fax: +44 (0) 208 205 1488
- Email: organiser@ukneqasmicro.org.uk
- Web: http://www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk/