HIV Serology
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Within scope of accreditation
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
The primary diagnostic tool for HIV infection is the presence of antibodies to the virus. This is often confirmed with other assays such as the Western blot or line assays. Additionally presence of HIV p24 antigen can contribute to early diagnosis before the development of antibodies. Fourth generation ELISA are for both antibody and antigen detection.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining HIV status
MATERIAL PROVIDED: Human serum
DISTRIBUTIONS PER YEAR: 3
SAMPLES PER DISTRIBUTION: 6
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:
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/