Molecular detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
UKAS Accreditation in accordance with ISO 17043: 2023
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
These two organisms remain the main etiological agents of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide and can cause a large financial burden on health services. WHO estimated in the Global Burden of Disease 2008 that C. trachomatis accounted for 105.7 million new cases of STIs in adults. N. gonorrhoeae accounted for 106.1 million of those new cases. Nucleic acid amplification testing has become a prominent diagnostic tool in the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections due to its increased sensitivity and specificity.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining the presence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in either vaginal or urine specimens.
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:
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/