MRSA Screening
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Within scope of accreditation
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
New technologies, including the use of selective culture media and real-time PCR assays, allow faster detection of MRSA carriers upon admission or during stay in healthcare institutions. The public health burden caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is now widely recognized. Effective MRSA risk management in the healthcare system as well as in the community should rely on accurate detection of reservoirs and sources of transmission. MRSA carrier screening and disease surveillance, coupled with molecular typing, are key information tools for integrated MRSA control and individual risk assessment.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories providing clinical diagnostic bacteriology services, determining the presence/absence of MRSA, by conventional and molecular methodologies
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for two 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/ identification, concordance with the intended result. General descriptive statistics.
PERFORMANCE SCORING:
See scoring policy and Bacteriology and Mycology Specific Scoring
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/