Discussion
Testing of EQA samples should, as far as possible, replicate testing for patients. Only one EQA sample should be taken out and tested at a time, and the same level of good clinical practice should apply as with clinical samples.
If a patient who is MT-RNR1 detected is genotyped as MT-RNR1 not detected, they will be administered an aminoglycoside. Administration of aminoglycosides to an MT-RNR1 detected patient can lead to deafness.
If a patient who is MT-RNR1 not detected is genotyped as MT-RNR1 detected, they will be administered an alternative antibiotic. Although alternative therapies can treat the condition, gentamicin is preferred as a defence against antibiotic resistance.
If a patient receives a test fail, they will be administered an alternative antibiotic. Although alternative therapies can treat the condition, gentamicin is preferred as a defence against antibiotic resistance. Additionally, repeated test failures should be investigated to identify issues with staff training and equipment.
Sample Concordance and Scoring:
EMQN aim to provide swabs with a range of cell loads. Scoring for test failures has been graded, so that the penalty is lower for swabs at lower cell loads.
Concordance of results between centres participating in the survey is monitored by EMQN. Scoring will be adjusted based on concordance. Samples that have had scoring adjusted due to concordance will be marked with an asterisk (*).
A summary of the scoring and performance calculation can be found in the appendix of this document.
