title: Evaluation of the World Health Organization global measles and rubella quality assurance program, 2001-2008.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  During 2001-2008, the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) prepared and provided a measles and rubella proficiency test panel for distribution to the World Health Organization (WHO) measles and rubella network laboratories as part of their annual laboratory accreditation assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Panel test results were forwarded to VIDRL, and results from 8 consecutive years were analyzed. We assessed the type of assays used and results achieved on the basis of the positive and negative interpretation of submitted results, by year and WHO region, for measles and rubella.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over time, there has been a noticeable increase in laboratory and WHO regional participation. For all panels, the proportion of laboratories in all WHO regions using the WHO-validated Dade Behring assay for measles and rubella-specific IgM antibodies ranged from 35% to 100% and 59% to 100%, respectively. For all regions and years, the proportion of laboratories obtaining a pass score ranged from 87% to 100% for measles and 93% to 100% for rubella.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During 2001-2008, a large proportion of laboratories worldwide achieved and maintained a pass score for both measles and rubella. Measles and rubella proficiency testing is regarded as a major achievement for the WHO measles and rubella laboratory program.
authors.affiliation: Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Epidemiology Unit, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia. vicki.stambos@mh.org.au
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stambos
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leydon
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riddell
authors.forename: Hazel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Clothier
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Catton
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Featherstone
authors.forename: Heath
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000592:standards; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods; D003625:Data Collection; D014943:Global Health; D007391:International Cooperation; D008457:Measles / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D012409:Rubella / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014944:World Health Organization / Q000458:organization & administration*