Urinary antigens
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
UKAS Accreditation in accordance with ISO 17043: 2023
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
Collection of samples to diagnose respiratory infections can be invasive and therefore testing for the shed antigen in the urine for certain pathogens has been developed. As the test is based on antigen detection, this has also allowed for a rapid test to be developed. The two common pathogens implicated in community acquired pneumonia are now commonly diagnosed using urinary antigen testing in combination with clinical symptoms.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
To provide EQA for laboratories determining the presence of Legionellla pneumophila (serogroup 1) and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigens in urine
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for two 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/