Respiratory Rapid: RSV
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Within scope of accreditation
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Initial RSV diagnosis for laboratories and non-laboratory settings. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viral causes of lower respiratory tract infections. The virus usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can often cause severe illness particularly in infants and older adults.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining the presence of respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal samples using POCT devices
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for two 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:
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/