Molecular detection of HEV RNA
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Extension to scope to be applied for
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Hepatitis E is an illness of the liver caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). This virus can infect both animals and humans. HEV infection is usually a mild disease and the virus infection will clear by itself. However, in individuals with suppressed immune systems, the virus can result in persistent infection which in turn can cause chronic inflammation of the liver. In rare cases, it can cause a fatal infection in pregnant women.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To determine the presence or absence of HEV RNA in human plasma
MATERIAL PROVIDED: Feeze dried human plasma
DISTRIBUTIONS PER YEAR: 3
SAMPLES PER DISTRIBUTION: 2
FREQUENCY OF DISTRIBUTION: http://www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk/menu/distribution-timetable
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for three weeks. Intended results are usually uploaded the day after the closing date. Late results are not accepted after intended results are uploaded.
DATA ANALYSIS:
Qualitative detection, consensus with intended results. 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/