Virus identification
ACCREDITATION STATUS:
Within scope of accreditation
CLINICAL APPLICATION:
: Culture of viruses in the diagnosis of viral infections is still considered the reference standard for cultivable viruses. Cultivating viruses is still useful in some circumstances, e.g. for infections that are not characteristic of a single virus, and is still considered the most sensitive and specific methodology. The scheme however also provides for those laboratories carrying immunofluorescence or molecular techniques.
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:
Culture of viruses in the diagnosis of viral infections is still considered the reference standard for cultivable viruses. Cultivating viruses is still useful in some circumstances, e.g. for infections that are not characteristic of a single virus, and is still considered the most sensitive and specific methodology. The scheme however also provides for those laboratories carrying immunofluorescence or molecular techniques.
PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:
Results are entered online via the UK NEQAS secure website. The distribution is open for four 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 and Virus identification 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/