Welcome to this July edition of the newsletter! In this issue, you will find important updates, relevant news, and highlights designed to keep you informed and connected. Keeping you in the loop about our services is a priority for us, so you always know what to expect and how this may affect you.
Accurate diagnostic testing drives the success of public health and patient management. Being innovative in this area is a crucial role for early detection, accurate treatment and overall disease prevention. We at UK NEQAS for Microbiology are proud to play our part in supporting this objective by providing EQA that remains relevant to your needs whilst fulfilling our core remit to educate through the delivery of a high quality reliable and impactful service. This is a promise we strive to uphold every day and will always have you at the heart of everything we do.
So do continue reading the rest of this newsletter to stay informed about updates and to read about our recent activities we have been engaged in to promote and enhance our services to the EQA community globally.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer filled with relaxation, joy and creating great memories with family and friends.
On 4 March 2025 UK NEQAS for Microbiology was privileged to host six delegates from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). The overall objective of this visit for the delegates was to build resilient and sustainable national public health emergency management and laboratory systems to capably prevent, detect and effectively respond to disease outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic proportion. For successful public health management, EQA is a key component in the process, and the visit improved delegates' knowledge and understanding of EQA and quality assurance schemes. They gained a better understanding of the methods employed to evaluate laboratory performance and how to ensure the reliability of test results through education. There was enhanced awareness of the complexity involved with providing an EQA service with an appreciation of the resources and infrastructure needed to deliver a high-quality service.
A delegation of Nigerian public health officials and laboratory professionals visited UK NEQAS for Microbiology laboratory in early 2025, coordinated through the UK Health Security Agency International Health Regulation team. Their week-long visit was aimed at learning and developing future initiatives towards establishing a national EQA service in Nigeria.
As part of the visit, the delegates were given a comprehensive tour of the laboratory and EQA facilities, including distribution planning and report production. The laboratory professionals received an in-depth demonstration of EQA specimen preparation processes and the rigorous quality control procedures involved both before and after the distribution of EQA samples. They were also able to observe the dispensing and freeze-drying stages of sample preparation.
It was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge on both sides and to learn from one another. Furthermore, the delegates observed how processes are compliant with health and safety policies. The Quality Assurance and Systems Manager provided the delegates with insights into the UK NEQAS quality management system and the strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation standard.
The Head of EQA Services, Nita Patel, emphasised the importance of quality assurance in clinical laboratories and highlighted how the EQA services we provide are crucial for public health improvement.
Through this visit, the delegation was able to re-evaluate the resources required to establish an EQA service in Nigeria and identify potential challenges they may face during implementation.
Overall, the visit was a success. The delegates expressed appreciation for the team’s commitment and efforts to deliver high-quality EQA services through rigorous processes. This visit also marks a significant step in fostering international collaboration for global health improvement and exploring potential opportunities for partnership.
UK NEQAS for Microbiology proudly launched its Microlearning Series this summer- free, bite-sized sessions exclusively for registered participants. These short and focused webinars are designed to enhance professional development and support high standards in microbiology diagnostic testing.
🔬 The first session, Performance Management of Laboratories Revisited, was delivered live on 27 June 2025 via Microsoft Teams.
🗣️ Presented by: Dr Sanjiv Rughooputh – Virology & Molecular Scheme Organiser
Packed with practical insight, this live session explored key strategies for monitoring and improving laboratory performance, drawing strong engagement from participants across the UK and beyond.
This new series reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting EQA integration for emerging technologies and collaborating with manufacturers and regulators to address challenges in assay, analyser, and kit performance.
UK NEQAS for Microbiology remains committed to delivering high-quality, accredited EQA services that enables laboratories worldwide to benchmark against the best.
👉 Interested in joining future sessions?
Visit our website to register as a participant:
https://ukneqasmicro.org.uk/becoming-a-participant/register/
Click here to see more info.
We’re excited to announce that UK NEQAS for Microbiology is now on LinkedIn.
As part of our mission to help laboratories globally achieve excellence in microbiology diagnostic testing through External Quality Assessment (EQA) and education, LinkedIn offers a professional space to stay connected, share knowledge, and build partnerships.
Following our fantastic experience at ESCMID 2025 in Vienna, where we had the pleasure of meeting many of you at the UK NEQAS for Microbiology stand, we knew it was only right to continue the conversation online.
We had the opportunity to connect with delegates, participants, and global distributors- including ESCMID President and Programme Director Jacob Moran-Gilad- all committed to enhancing quality in laboratory diagnostics.
We’re excited to share updates, insights, and news that matter to you.
Let’s stay connected and continue working together to raise standards in microbiology.
We’re pleased to share some great news: UK NEQAS for Microbiology and UK NEQAS for Parasitology are now officially accredited to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 - Conformity assessment- General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers.
This is an important milestone that reflects our commitment to continue providing reliable, high-quality, and technically competent external quality assessment to all our participants.
What does this mean for you?
The UK NEQAS Microbiology Division 2025 Scientific Meeting will take place on Friday 28 November 2025 at The Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, Central London.
The title of this year's meeting is The Future is Here!. The link below contains agenda details.
Early bird registration is now open via the following link:
If you would like any further information please let me know.
We hope to see you at this year's meeting.
UK NEQAS for Microbiology & Parasitology attended the annual conference of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Global 2025, in Vienna, 11-14 April.
At the conference, a booth for UK NEQAS for Microbiology & Parasitology was facilitated by Nita Patel, Head of EQA Services; Professor Peter Chiodini, Scheme Organiser for Parasitology; Dr Sanjiv Rughooputh, Scheme Organiser for Virology & Molecular schemes; and Priya Patel, Laboratory/Operations Manager. This provided us with the valuable opportunity to connect with delegates, (which included the ESCMID President and Programme Director Jacob Moran-Gilad), current and prospective participants, as well as global distributors.
The five-day event provided valuable interaction with delegates, allowing us to gain insights into the global impact of External Quality Assessment (EQA) for laboratories. Furthermore, the team was able to address queries and consider suggestions for enhancing our service, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement.
The significant number of visitors to the booth was a source of encouragement, demonstrating the crucial role of EQA as an educational and essential tool for healthcare scientists in laboratory settings.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who visited our booth and making the experience so rewarding. We look forward to meeting more delegates at a future ESCMID conference soon.
UK NEQAS for Microbiology recently launched our highly anticipated Group B streptococcus (GBS) screening EQA, following a successful pilot EQA distribution in July 2024.
Lancefield Group B streptococci (GBS), or Streptococcus agalactiae, are catalase-negative, oxidase-negative Gram-positive cocci formed in pairs and chains. When grown on blood agar, the species exhibit β-haemolysis (complete haemolysis) characterised by a yellow/transparent halo around colonies. GBS is one of the key causative agents of infection, disability in babies and even death.
A major risk factor for neonatal diseases is maternal vaginal colonisation. GBS is not viewed as normal vaginal flora but can colonise and present asymptomatically in up to 28% of women in the UK.
Screening for GBS throughout pregnancy is of high importance as during pregnancy GBS can infect the amniotic fluid which can lead to neonatal sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. Beta- haemolytic streptococcus can cause further complications, and in extreme circumstances death to the newborn child, following labour if the baby contracts the organism through the birth canal.
By developing and providing an EQA focused on the detection and identification of GBS, the aim is to support the training of scientific staff in clinical laboratories on how to accurately detect GBS in vaginal swabs. This initiative also seeks to raise awareness among laboratory personnel about the importance of early detection and treatment of GBS in pregnant women, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, this EQA will help clinical laboratories produce reliable, comparable, and accurate results when detecting GBS.
The validation of the specimens involved testing different sample types and storage conditions. Specimens were prepared in both freeze-dried and swab formats (Transwab Amies and charcoal) to determine the most favourable specimen type. These specimens were then stored at room temperature and 4°C to identify the most suitable storage conditions. Testing was conducted at 0 days, 24 hours, 48 hours, and then weekly for 12 weeks. All swabs and freeze-dried specimens were prepared in parallel and in duplicate from the same bulk material at the time of preparation.
As part of the first pilot, charcoal swabs were dispatched over a 20-week period to assess specimen stability. Testing was carried out at 0 days, 1 week, and then every other week for the full 20 weeks.
Participant performance was very good, with an average of 94.4% of participants returning the correct result. Many thanks to all participants who agreed to take part in the pilot.
Ayesha Thompson
Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (R&D)
Helicobacter pylori is a globally significant pathogen associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. Recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority pathogen due to rising antibiotic resistance, accurate diagnosis of H. pylori infection is essential for effective patient care and public health management.
Stool antigen tests are commonly used for diagnosis, but variations in testing methods across laboratories can affect reliability. To address this, UK NEQAS for Microbiology developed an External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme to assess and improve the performance of H. pylori antigen detection in clinical laboratories.
Scheme Development and Stability Testing
Before launching the pilot EQA, considerable work went into developing stable, reproducible EQA specimens suitable for external distribution.
Two antigen concentrations were selected to represent strong and weak positive samples, alongside prepared negative controls. Stability testing was a key part of the development process. Over a 20-week period, the freeze-dried specimens were rehydrated and tested regularly using both enzyme immunoassays (Premier™ Platinum HpSA® PLUS) and rapid lateral flow tests (Proflow™ H. pylori). Results consistently demonstrated stable antigen detection across all time points, confirming the suitability of these specimens for long-term storage and external distribution.
The H. pylori EQA Pilot Study: May 2025
Once specimen stability was confirmed, UK NEQAS launched its first H. pylori EQA pilot in May 2025. The pilot distribution included four freeze-dried specimens representing different antigen strengths. A total of 60 UK laboratories participated in the pilot, testing the specimens using their routine diagnostic protocols. Results were reported via Survey Select, the secure online reporting platform used by UK NEQAS.
The pilot demonstrated high levels of concordance between the intended results and laboratory findings, especially for strong and medium positive specimens:
Both ELISA and rapid tests reliably differentiated between antigen strengths, with expected gradual decreases in absorbance corresponding to antigen concentration. Slight fluctuations observed were attributed to typical experimental variation, not true antigen degradation.
Further validation through post-distribution quality control testing confirmed that specimens remained stable and homogeneous after transport, reinforcing their suitability for EQA distribution.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The success of this pilot EQA demonstrates that freeze-dried H. pylori antigen specimens are stable, reliable, and well-suited for use in EQA schemes. These specimens offer a practical, long-term solution for laboratories, particularly in supporting diagnostic accuracy where specimen transport may be challenging. We sincerely thank all participants who took part in the pilot.
Following this positive outcome, UK NEQAS is planning a second H. pylori pilot distribution this year, with the aim. to incorporate the scheme into the routine UK NEQAS programme from April 2026.
Darcia D’Mello
Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (R&D)
As part of our ongoing commitment to support high-quality diagnostic services and reflect evolving laboratory practices, UK NEQAS for Microbiology is pleased to announce a series of important updates across several virology External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes. These enhancements are designed to broaden assessment capabilities, improve data interpretation, and align with current diagnostic methodologies.
In response to the increasing role of molecular diagnostics, the Blood-borne viruses scheme will now include nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HIV, HBV, and HCV using qualitative detection methods (Detected / Not Detected).
Key Features:
This development aims to strengthen quality assurance in molecular testing of blood-borne viruses, supporting both clinical diagnostics and public health response.
The Parvovirus B19 and Rubella serology scheme has been updated to reflect current serological and molecular testing practices.
What’s New:
These changes enhance the diagnostic relevance of the scheme, offering more granular insights and broader test evaluation.
The CMV detection scheme supports comprehensive evaluation across serological and molecular assays.
Available Reporting:
Performance scoring is based on qualitative results, with quantitative data included for context. This approach reflects the complexity of CMV testing and supports continuous quality improvement.
The EBV detection scheme provides a comprehensive assessment of both serological and molecular markers used in the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus infection.
Key Features:
Serological markers assessed include:
Clinical Significance:
EBV is implicated in a wide spectrum of conditions, including infectious mononucleosis, transplant-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), and several EBV-associated malignancies. Monitoring of EBV DNA is crucial in immunocompromised patients, especially in transplant settings.
The Hepatitis A detection scheme supports external quality assessment of both serological and molecular tests for Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).
Key Features:
Clinical Significance:
HAV is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis, typically transmitted via the faecal-oral route. While often self-limiting, it can cause serious illness in older adults or those with underlying liver disease. Accurate diagnosis is essential for outbreak control, travel-related infections, and public health surveillance.
The VZV serology scheme focuses on the assessment of Varicella-Zoster Virus IgG serology, used widely to determine immunity status.
Key Features:
Clinical Significance:
VZV causes chickenpox (primary infection) and shingles (reactivation). Determination of VZV IgG is essential for:
The STI multiplex scheme supports EQA for molecular detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using multiplex NAT platforms.
Pathogens Covered:
Scheme Features:
Clinical Significance:
With the rise of syndromic testing and multiplex molecular panels, this scheme is vital for ensuring diagnostic accuracy in an increasingly complex STI landscape. It also supports screening programmes, antenatal care, and partner notification strategies.
These updates demonstrate UK NEQAS's commitment to evolving with the needs of laboratories, fostering excellence in both established and emerging diagnostic technologies. We strongly encourage participants to submit both qualitative and, where applicable, quantitative results to enhance benchmarking and reporting value.
Thank you for your continued participation and dedication to quality in laboratory diagnostics.
Expanding Impact Through Targeted Programmes: Highlights
Beyond our core delivery, UK NEQAS for Microbiology continues to support focused external quality assessment (EQA) schemes that meet the evolving needs of diagnostic laboratories globally. Over the last 12 months, we have deepened collaborations and launched new initiatives addressing gaps in microbial surveillance and laboratory capability.
Heart Valve Banking EQA – Building on the Pilot Success
Following the initial success of our pilot scheme supporting heart valve tissue banks, we are now preparing for a second distribution. This scheme aims to evaluate contamination testing and decontamination practices for heart tissue, critical steps for ensuring patient safety during cardiac surgeries. Insights from the first round confirmed considerable variation between centres, reinforcing the value of this EQA in guiding the development of standardised protocols. Our ongoing work in this area supports greater consistency and best practice in tissue safety monitoring. The findings from the pilot have been published and are available here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40156671/.
CAESAR: Enhancing AMR Data Quality Across Europe and Central Asia
UK NEQAS continued its longstanding support of the CAESAR network, which forms part of WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS). The most recent exercise was distributed in September 2024, with the next round scheduled for October 2025. This programme provides participating laboratories with a platform to assess and strengthen their antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods for key invasive pathogens. The consistency in results over time has been encouraging, reflecting steady progress in laboratory performance and the reliability of surveillance data submitted to national and international health authorities.
Euro-GASP: Monitoring Gonococcal Resistance Trends Across Europe
In collaboration with the ECDC and through the AMRSTI team at UKHSA, we delivered the most recent Euro-GASP EQA in October 2024, with the next exercise planned for September 2025. This programme enables laboratories to benchmark their antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, ensuring data comparability across borders. Continued high levels of proficiency were observed in the last round, underlining the effectiveness of the programme in supporting harmonisation and resistance trend monitoring at a regional scale.
NEW: Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) EQA – Responding to Evolving Epidemiology
In a significant development this year, UK NEQAS for Microbiology was commissioned by UKHSA and funded by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections to deliver a new EQA for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Historically, diagnostics focused almost exclusively on STEC O157, a serogroup linked to severe outcomes such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). However, with the rise in non-O157 STEC infections, particularly O26, O103, and O145, traditional detection methods are no longer sufficient.
This first distribution focused on assessing laboratory use of updated media, such as STEC-specific Chromagar, and serogroup confirmation by agglutination. The scheme’s primary objective is educational: to help laboratories assess their current diagnostic capabilities and inform improvements in testing workflows. Participants were also informed that anonymised data will be returned to UKHSA to support a national overview of STEC detection readiness.
These focused schemes illustrate our commitment to supporting both national and international partners in strengthening microbiological diagnostics. We remain dedicated to driving forward initiatives that align laboratory practice with the needs of modern public health surveillance.
I joined UK NEQAS for Microbiology on 1 May 2025, as a Healthcare Scientist in the bacteriology & mycology unit
I’ve been in the UK for almost four years now, and this is my third job in the country. My first role focused on handling Candida spp., followed by a second role involving various gastrointestinal bacteria. Now, in my current position at UK NEQAS, I have the opportunity to work with a wide diversity of bacteria, many of which I encountered their species names for the very first time. It’s been truly eye-opening.
From the very beginning, I felt warmly welcomed at UK NEQAS. Although my role remains primarily laboratory-based, it differs significantly from my previous jobs. Here, the work is meticulously planned in advance, and executing these plans accurately and on time requires seamless collaboration and high-quality contributions across multiple teams. Combined with the required training, documentation, and competency assessments, all while trying to catch up with what’s happening in the lab, the first two months felt pretty overwhelming.
I liken the experience to that of a brand-new satellite being launched into space: initially disoriented, unsure of direction in a vast and unfamiliar universe. Thankfully, with the professional expertise, guidance, and patience of the many talented individuals at UK NEQAS- especially the Bacteriology team, and notably Rupa Rai, Lewis and Radia Larkem, I’ve started to gain momentum. Like a satellite finding its proper orbital path, I’m now stabilising, running internal checks, and working hard to reach the right altitude and velocity. I look forward to becoming competent and contributing meaningfully sending back valuable "data" to the UK NEQAS station.
Each of my jobs in the UK has presented new challenges, compounded by the broader experience of settling into a new country. These combined experiences have made the second half of my life more fulfilling, adventurous, and at times, more demanding. But with hope and perseverance, I trust this adventure will lead to a truly positive journey.
I joined UK NEQAS for Microbiology as a Healthcare Scientist Team Manager in 2024 as a part of the wonderful Bacteriology and Mycology team.
I previously worked in diagnostic, reference and non-diagnostic microbiology laboratories. What I enjoy about working in UK NEQAS for Microbiology is the variety of schemes we offer and micro-organisms we work with to deliver these schemes. As we create simulated clinical EQA specimens, it’s like working in a diagnostic laboratory without being in an actual diagnostic laboratory. It is also fascinating to see how much advanced meticulous planning, R&D, quality testing, collaboration and hard work goes into making these EQA specimens. I am very much enjoying the opportunities as well as the challenges my role has offered so far. The team are dedicated to improving the service and constantly researching potential new EQA schemes.
Working with such talented scientists and knowing that I am part of such prestigious organisation serving the public for over 50 years feels deeply rewarding.
Dear Participants,
Title: Your Feedback on Our Services
We would like to thank all participants who took the time to provide invaluable feedback on our services in October 2024.
We’re pleased to inform you that we are currently piloting some of your suggestions, including the introduction of H. pylori antigen detection and Beta-D-Glucan fungal serology schemes. While these are not yet fully implemented, we anticipate that they will soon lead to significant improvements you’ll be able to benefit from.
We are continuing to review the remaining feedback and will address as much as possible over the coming months.
If you have any further comments or suggestions, please feel free to email us at: organiser@ukneqasmicro.org.uk
