1. An Internet-based application fostering a global collaboration for External Quality Assessment Schemes for Nucleic Acid Testing Thu-Anh Pham 1, Dimech W 1, Ho A 2, Jardine D 1, Walker S 1, van Drimmelen H 3 and Dax EM 1 1 National Serology Reference Laboratory, Australia (NRL) 2 HealthMetrx, Canada 3 AcroMetrix, USA/ The Netherlands

2. NRL EQAS External Quality Assessment Schemes EQAS provider for over 15 years Serology: HIV, HCV, HTLV, HBV, CMV, Syphilis NAT: HIV, HCV, HBV, CT/NG, Blood Screening (HIV/HCV), Genotyping (HIV/ HCV), HAV, CMV, Parvovirus B19, HSV- 1/2, Blood Screening HBV Aims of EQAS

3. Fostering Global Collaboration Aims of Global Collaboration: Provide well-characterised samples from all over the world Improve submission of results Improve turnaround time of reports Expansion of schemes offered

4. Facilitating Global Collaboration (www.acrometrix.com) Develops and manufactures standards, run controls, proficiency and evaluation panels HealthMetrx (www.digitalpt.com ) Leading EQAS provider in Canada Developed

5. Results of Global Collaboration Table 1: The number of NRL participants that used DigitalPT in 2005 Manual n (%) DigitalPT n (%) HIV6 (20)24 (80) HCV6 (15)34 (85) HBV5 (26)14 (74)

6. Results of Global Collaboration Table 2: The number of participants enrolled in NRL NAT EQAS QL: QualitativeVL: Viral Load Scheme200420052006 (May) HIV VL233033 HCV 3840 VL = 24 QL = 37 HBV 1320 VL = 27 QL = 3 Parvovirus B19 QL 7 HSV-1/2 QL 13 CMV VL = 8 QL = 5 HAV QL 6

7. Laboratory Gains Rapid turnaround time of final reports Each laboratory received individualised results summary Compare results reported by laboratories Benchmarking

8. Summary of Global Collaboration