Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most people get better on their own (without treatment). However testing to determine the viral agent can be indicated particularly for those viruses more commonly associated with more severe symptoms.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining the presence of HSV-1 DNA, HSV-2 DNA, VZV DNA and Enteroviruses RNA in the CSF
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.
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.