Introduction
The International Leptospirosis MAT Proficiency Testing Scheme is a collaborative project provided by laboratories in Amsterdam, Melbourne and the United Kingdom, on behalf of ILS.
The objectives of the scheme are (a) to provide participants with information about the quality of their MAT testing, as an aid to improved performance, and (b) to encourage a general improvement in the performance of MAT testing and in leptospirosis diagnosis throughout the world.
Panels have been sent to participants annually since 2002. After all results are received, participants receive an emailed preliminary report, identifying the samples. Later they receive a comprehensive final report, comparing and analysing results from different laboratories.
Participating
Any laboratory performing the MAT may participate in the scheme. In Round 10 (2012), 97 laboratories from 49 countries returned results.
The cost of participating in Round 11 (2013) for general laboratories is: $ Australian 160, or $ US 170, or Euro 130 or GBP 110.
The cost for participants working in resource-poor environments is: $ Australian 80, or $ US 85, or Euro 65 or GBP 55.
Non-commercial laboratories from countries classed by World Bank as Low Income or Lower-Middle Income will automatically qualify for the concession. Specific individual requests for the concessional rate from laboratories in countries in the Upper Middle Income group that are undergoing hardship will be considered. A list of the classifications can be found here. It is expected that Round 11 will be distributed in May 2013.
Publication
Chappel, R.J., Goris, M., Palmer, R.F. and Hartskeerl, R.A. (2004) Impact of proficiency testing on results of the microscopic agglutination test for diagnosis of leptospirosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42 5484-5488
Enquiries
Enquiries about participation should be directed to Roderick Chappel, email roderick@nrl.gov.au.
Enquiries and comments relating to the scheme can also be directed to Marga Goris (m.goris@kit.nl) or Rudy Hartskeerl (r.hartskeerl@kit.nl) at the Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam.
Enquiries about participation should be directed to Roderick Chappel, email roderick@nrl.gov.au. Laboratories wishing to participate should nominate the currency in which they wish to pay.”
