Interferon Gamma Release Assays (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) IGRA TB
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
UKAS accredited proficiency testing provider No. 7795
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Test for latent tuberculosis infection and a useful aid for diagnosing M. tuberculosis complex infection
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
Autoimmunity EQA scheme
ANALYTES:
| Analyte | Default Unit |
|---|---|
| IGRA TB | Qualitative responses (Positive, Negative and Indeterminate), Quantitative responses (IU/mL), number of T-spots, Clinical and Technical Interpretations |
MATERIAL PROVIDED: Normal and pathological human serum
DISTRIBUTIONS PER YEAR: 6
SAMPLES PER DISTRIBUTION: 2 sets of 3 (Nil, TB / TB2 antigen and Mitogen), or 2 sets of 4 (Nil, TB1 antigen, TB / TB2 antigen
FREQUENCY OF DISTRIBUTION: Every two months as outlined in the Distribution Schedule
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Data entry is via the web for the submission of results. Data analysis is commenced 21 days after sample dispatch. Late returns are accepted and will contribute to the laboratory's cumulative performance statistics
DATA ANALYSIS:
Qualitative responses are assessed in relation to the designated response
PERFORMANCE SCORING:
MRVIS / MI scoring
PERFORMANCE MONITORING:
OMIS for qualitative results over a running analytical window of 6 Distributions (12 months) Individual laboratory performance over a running analytical window of 6 Distributions (12 months) for Interferon Gamma Release Assay quantitation is expressed in terms of MRBIS, SDBIS and MRVIS
PERSISTENT POOR PERFORMANCE:
Defined as being in the Poor Performance category for two or more successive Distributions Previous Distributions have been linked to cases on the UK NEQAS for Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy Interpretative EQA Scheme (iEQA) website
Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy (IIA)
The External Quality Assessment Scheme for Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy (IIA) was founded in 1982 by Dr Anthony Milford Ward at Northern General Hospital, Sheffield. In 1982 the Service became known as the UK National External Quality Assessment Service for Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy. UK NEQAS IIA is part of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. For the most up-to-date scheme information (including any pilot schemes) please contact the centre directly.
Contact Details
- UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- PO Box 894
- Sheffield
- S5 7YT
Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy (IIA)
- Telephone: +44 (0) 114 271 5715
- Email: ukneqas@immqas.org.uk
- Web: https://www.immqas.org.uk/