title: HBV and HIV serological markers: the National External Quality Assessment Scheme in France.
abstract: Participation in external quality assessment (EQA) has been mandatory in France as from 1978. The Ministry of Health has responsibility for maintenance of a list of laboratories and contracts EQA schemes to be organised and supervised by scientific groups. Serological markers for viral hepatitis B and anti-HIV were included in surveys, four times per annum, as from 1985. The number of laboratories participating increased from 178 for anti-HIV and 499 for viral hepatitis markers in 1985 to 3421 for anti-HIV and 2384 for viral hepatitis markers at the present time. The percentage of correct results varies depending on the method and specimen from 98% to 99% for anti-HIV and from 95% to 97% for HBsAg; the false negative rate has been as high as 14% for anti-HBs.
authors.affiliation: Université Paris V, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne, France.
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Goguel
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005602:France; D006077:Government Agencies; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D007753:Laboratories; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011786:Quality Control; D012015:Reference Standards
chemical_list: D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens