Molecular detection of malaria
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
UKAS Accreditation in accordance with ISO 17043: 2010
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Identification of malaria parasites
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To assess a laboratory's ability to confirm the presence of malaria parasite in a sample.
MATERIAL PROVIDED: Freeze dried blood sample
DISTRIBUTIONS PER YEAR: 4
SAMPLES PER DISTRIBUTION: 4
FREQUENCY OF DISTRIBUTION: Once every quarter
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for three weeks. Intended results uploaded within three days after closing date. Late results are not accepted after intended results are uploaded.
DATA ANALYSIS:
The statistical design of evaluating performance originated from “Quality Control of the isolation rate of pathogens in medical microbiological laboratories”, HE Tillet and PB Crone, J. Hygiene.(1976) 359. The statistical design is robust and takes the minimum number of participants and the number of Distributions and specimens per annum into account. For information on individual laboratory scoring, refer to UKNEQAS Microbiology web page: www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk. . The statistical design of the scheme includes: summary statistics, performance statistics and detection of outliers.
PERFORMANCE SCORING:
The ability to confirm or exclude the presence of malaria nucleic acid, and, to correctly identify and speciate the parasite(s) present. In order for the participants to evaluate their performance, a score is awarded for each result reported.
PERFORMANCE MONITORING:
See information on performance monitoring
PERSISTENT POOR PERFORMANCE:
See the Annual Directory (for UK and Irish participants only)
Parasitology
The External Quality Assessment Scheme for Parasitology was founded in 1986 by Professor Peter Chiodini at Department of Clinical Parasitology at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London. In 1986 the Service became known as the UK National External Quality Assessment Service for Parasitology. UK NEQAS for Parasitology is hosted by Public Health England. For the most up-to-date scheme information (including any pilot schemes) please contact the centre directly.
Contact Details
- The Halo
- 1 Mabledon Place
- London
- WC1H 9AZ