NIBSC communication
Dear CVN member,
As a follow on from some of the monoplex reagents you may use in your laboratory, that have been developed through a collaboration between the CVN and NIBSC, we have the first multiplex reagent which contains 11 viral targets associated with infections of the immunosuppressed / meningitis. They are:
- Herpes Simplex -1 and -2
- Varicella Zoster Virus
- Cytomegalovirus
- Human Herpes Virus 6A and 6B
- BK virus
- JC virus
- Epstein Barr Virus
- Parvovirus B19
- Adenovirus
Unlike the monoplex reagents, this control is freeze dried for cheaper and easier shipping and storage. Where possible we have also calibrated the reagent in International Units against the relevant current WHO International Standards. The product is available from our catalogue Product Code: 15/130-XXX, “Clinical Virology Multiplex I: Immunodeficiency panel working reagent for Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAT)”. The reagent is supplied to be reconstituted into 1ml. and once reconstituted will be stable at 4°C for a week.
Secondly the Result Reporting System (RRS), for the data monitoring of NIBSC serology and NAT quality control reagents (including the Quality Control Reagent Unit (QCRU) and Clinical Virology Network (CVN) reagents) is also freely available via the NIBSC website. RRS has been successfully running for serology assays for several years collecting thousands of data points year on year and now accepts data for Nucleic Acid-based Technologies (NAT) reagents and associated assays; allowing you to compare your results to those of other laboratories and assists with conforming to ISO 15189 guidelines.
Dr Sarah Kempster
Scientist
Division of Virology
NIBSC – A Centre of the MHRA
Blanche Lane
South Mimms
Potters Bar
Herts EN6 3QG
United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)1707 641125
