Pre-IPFA-PEI Satellite Workshop
Twenty-five Years Standardization and Quality Control of Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology for Detection of Blood Borne Viruses
Tuesday, May 15th from 15.00-17.45 hours in Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens
It is twenty-five years ago that the first international proficiency study of nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) was published [Lancet 1993;341:722-724], the first standard for detection of hepatitis C virus RNA was established (Eurohep) and the first IPFA workshop was organized to discuss the idea of using NAT for plasma pool testing [Vox Sang 1994;67:S2:70]. Thereafter the first external quality control panels were developed (PeliSpy, PeliCheck) by VQC-Sanquin in the Netherlands [J Virol. Methods 1996:58:175-185] and the first International Standards for NAT were established in WHO collaborative studies [Vox Sanguinis 1999:96:149-158].
Where are we nowadays with standardization and quality control of NAT in blood screening? Is everything under control or is there still room for improvement? These questions will be addressed in a short meeting in the afternoon before the 25th IPFA-PEI Workshop on Surveillance and Screening of Blood Borne Pathogens that will be held on May 16-17th in Athens. In a series of 10-15 minutes presentations a number of scientists (representing blood screening and reference laboratories in Europe and South-Africa) will share interesting data and bring up some critical issues for discussion in the workshop.
If you are planning to come to the 25th IPFA-PEI NAT Workshop and are interested to join this satellite meeting, would you be so kind to let us know.