First international proficiency study on West Nile virus molecular detection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

West Nile virus (WNV) molecular detection is being conducted by a growing number of laboratories, but the degree of proficiency may vary between them. External quality control is needed.

Methods

We have conducted an international quality assurance study on WNV molecular detection. Participating laboratories tested noninfectious samples inactivated by heat and gamma irradiation. Participants received 7 coded lyophilized samples containing WNV of genetic lineages 1a, 1b, and 2 at 2600 to 18 000 000 RNA copies/mL, 3 samples containing heterologous flaviviruses, and 2 negative samples.

Results

Thirty laboratories participated. The average laboratory achieved 50% detection probability from 7762 copies/mL onward (probit analysis; 95% CI = 1174-24547 copies/mL). L

SUBMITTER: Niedrig M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7108183 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature