An Internet-based application fostering a global collaboration for External Quality Assessment Schemes for Nucleic Acid Testing

Thu-Anh Pham1, Dimech W1, Ho A2, Jardine D1, Walker S1, van Drimmelen H3 and Dax EM1

1National Serology Reference Laboratory, Australia (NRL)2HealthMetrx, Canada3AcroMetrix, USA/ The Netherlands

NRL EQAS

External Quality Assessment Schemes

EQAS provider for over 15 yearsSerology: HIV, HCV, HTLV, HBV, CMV, Syphilis

NAT: HIV, HCV, HBV, CT/NG, Blood Screening (HIV/HCV), Genotyping (HIV/ HCV), HAV, CMV, Parvovirus B19, HSV-1/2, Blood Screening HBV

Aims of EQAS

Fostering Global Collaboration

Aims of Global Collaboration:Provide well-characterised samples from all over the worldImprove submission of resultsImprove turnaround time of reportsExpansion of schemes offered

Facilitating Global Collaboration

(www.acrometrix.com)

Develops and manufactures standards, run controls, proficiency and evaluation panels

HealthMetrx (www.digitalpt.com )

Leading EQAS provider in Canada

Developed

Results of Global Collaboration

Table 1: The number of NRL participants that used DigitalPT in 2005

Manual n (%)

DigitalPT n (%)

HIV 6 (20) 24 (80)HCV 6 (15) 34 (85)HBV 5 (26) 14 (74)

Results of Global Collaboration

Table 2: The number of participants enrolled in NRL NAT EQAS

QL: Qualitative VL: Viral Load

Scheme 2004 2005 2006 (May)HIV VL 23 30 33HCV

38 40VL = 24QL = 37

HBV 13 20

VL = 27QL = 3

Parvovirus B19 QL     7HSV-1/2 QL     13CMV     VL = 8

QL = 5HAV QL     6

Laboratory Gains

Rapid turnaround time of final reports

Each laboratory received individualised results summary

Compare results reported by laboratories

Benchmarking

Summary of Global Collaboration