The
L. pneumophila urinary antigen testing EQA scheme is open
to national and regional reference laboratories in EWGLI
participating countries. The scheme is designed
to provide information on the reliability of the surveillance
data obtained from patients whose diagnoses are established
using this methodology. During the year, participating laboratories
receive four distributions, each containing ten samples of
urine sample. The samples are real (not simulated) clinical
specimens which are submitted to the coordinating laboratory
from participating laboratories to be used in the scheme.
The use of real samples is important as it allows a realistic
assessment of performance to be obtained which would not be
the cases were ‘spiked’ samples to be prepared.
Laboratories with a national or regional remit for legionella
reference services are invited to contact Dr
Tim Harrison if they would like to discuss participation
in the scheme. |
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