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International Leptospirosis MAT proficiency testing scheme

Introduction

The widely used microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for leptospirosis is prone to error. Quality assurance for the MAT is important, and the ILS encourages all laboratories to participate in  proficiency testing. The International Leptospirosis MAT Proficiency Testing Scheme is a collaborative project of the Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, the County Hospital, Hereford, and the National Serology Reference Laboratory, Australia in Melbourne./p>

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 6 (2007), 80 laboratories from 42 countries returned results.

The cost of participating in Round 7 (2008) is $US110, or $US55 for participants working in resource-poor environments. It is hoped that Round 7 will be distributed in September 2008.

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 any of the other collaborators: Marga Goris (m.goris@kit.nl), Martin Palmer (Martin.Palmer@hhtr.nhs.uk) and Rudy Hartskeerl (r.hartskeerl@kit.nl).

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