Molecular Detection of HPV
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Within scope of accreditation
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Diagnosis of infection with human papilloma virus, follow-up of women who seem to have an abnormal Pap test results, and in some countries part of the screening programme for cervical cancer. Of the more than 100 genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV), more than 25 can cause genital infections. It is also know that certain genotypes are associated with cervical cancer. Early identification of cervical disease using HPV testing improves cervical screening. In addition, monitoring of the impact of the HPV vaccine through routine screening is one of the EU guidelines.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining the presence of high risk genotypes in endocervical specimens
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:
Qualitative detection, consensus. General descriptive statistics.
PERFORMANCE SCORING:
Consensus. 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/