Molecular detection of respiratory viruses
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
UKAS Accreditation in accordance with ISO 17043: 2023
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
The most common illness experienced by otherwise healthy adults and children worldwide is acute respiratory illness which is most commonly cause by viruses. Detection of viral pathogens by PCR, cell culture, or serologic tests is generally too slow to be useful for patient care but is useful for epidemiologic surveillance. However, accurate and rapid diagnosis of respiratory viruses can affect patient management particularly in immuno-compromised patients, reduce unnecessary antibiotic therapy and helps prevent spread of the infection.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining the presence of respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal samples
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:
Consensus. Also see scoring policy
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/