[Analysis of the results of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2014]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo SEIMC. Año 2014.

The External Quality Control Program of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) include controls for bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology, mycobacteria, virology and molecular microbiology. This article presents the most relevant conclusions and lessons from the 2014 controls. As a whole, the results obtained in 2014 confirm the excellent skill and good technical standards found in previous editions. However, erroneous results can be obtained in any laboratory and in clinically relevant determinations. Once again, the results of the SEIMC program highlighted the need to implement both internal and external controls in order to assure the maximal quality of the microbiological tests.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2014]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2014.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarizes the results obtained from the 2014 SEIMC (Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology) External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of 5 standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining 4 contained plasma from 3 different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; 2 of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (30.8% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 95.8% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (Δ < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of 2 standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 83.7% in the case of HCV and 87.9% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 standard deviations log10 IU/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.

Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo SEIMC. Año 2014 / Analysis of the results of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2014

Se presenta el análisis anual de los resultados remitidos durante el año 2014 por los participantes inscritos en el Programa de Control de Calidad de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC), que incluye las áreas de bacteriología, serología, micología, parasitología, micobacteriología, virología y microbiología molecular. Los resultados obtenidos por los centros participantes resaltan, de nuevo, la adecuada capacitación de la gran mayoría de los laboratorios españoles de microbiología clínica, como ya venía sucediendo en los últimos años. Sin embargo, el programa muestra que es posible obtener resultados erróneos, incluso en determinaciones con importante trascendencia y en cualquier laboratorio. Una vez más, se destaca la importancia de complementar el control interno que cada laboratorio lleva a cabo con estudios de intercomparación externos, como los que ofrece el programa SEIMC

The External Quality Control Program of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) include controls for bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology, mycobacteria, virology and molecular microbiology. This article presents the most relevant conclusions and lessons from the 2014 controls. As a whole, the results obtained in 2014 confirm the excellent skill and good technical standards found in previous editions. However, erroneous results can be obtained in any laboratory and in clinically relevant determinations. Once again, the results of the SEIMC program highlighted the need to implement both internal and external controls in order to assure the maximal quality of the microbiological tests

Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2014 / Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2014

Las determinaciones de la carga viral del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (VIH-1), del virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) y del virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) son marcadores microbiológicos fundamentales para el seguimiento y control de los pacientes infectados por estos virus. Los laboratorios de microbiología disponen de herramientas que garantizan la fiabilidad de sus resultados; entre ellas se encuentran los programas de intercomparación externos, como es el Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC). En el presente número se muestra el análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo SEIMC de carga viral de estos virus, incluyendo el genotipado del VHC, realizado durante el año 2014. En el control de VIH-1 se remitieron 5 estándares, de los que uno (plasma humano seronegativo) no contenía el virus y los otros 4 consistían en plasma de 3 pacientes virémicos distintos en un intervalo de concentraciones entre 2-5 log10 copias/ml. Con el fin de analizar la repetibilidad, 2 de ellos eran idénticos. Una parte significativa de los laboratorios obtuvo de uno a varios resultados fuera de los límites aceptables (media ± 0,25 log10 copias/ml), dependiendo del estándar y del método empleado: en promedio el 30,8% de los centros. La repetibilidad fue excelente y el 95,8% de los laboratorios obtuvieron resultados aceptables (Δ < 0,5 log10 copias/ml). En los controles de VHC y VHB se remitieron 2 estándares con diferente contenido del virus. La mayor parte de los participantes (un 83,7% en el caso del VHC y un 87,9% en el del VHB) obtuvo ambos resultados dentro de los límites de la media ± 1,96 desviaciones estándar log10 UI/ml. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto la utilidad de los controles externos para asegurar la calidad de los resultados analíticos, incluyendo la fase post-analítica. Debido a la variabilidad interlaboratorio, es aconsejable utilizar un mismo método y el mismo laboratorio en el seguimiento de los pacientes

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarizes the results obtained from the 2014 SEIMC (Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology) External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of 5 standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining 4 contained plasma from 3 different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; 2 of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (30.8% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/ mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 95.8% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (Δ < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of 2 standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 83.7% in the case of HCV and 87.9% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 standard deviations log10 IU/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up

Prevalence of salivary epstein-barr virus in potentially malignant oral disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: To analyze the presence of salivary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant oral disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups were studied: Group 1 (12 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC)), Group 2 (12 potentially malignant oral disorders (PMD)) and Group 3 (47 healthy controls). EBV DNA salivary analysis was performed by PCR. RESULTS: The highest percentage of positive salivary EBV DNA corresponded to the OSCC group (58.3%), followed by the PMD group (41.7%) and the controls (40.4%). The differences between groups were not statistically significant, however (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Salivary EBV DNA was more prevalent in OSCC than in PMD or the controls

Prevalence of salivary Epstein-Barr virus in potentially malignant oral disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the presence of salivary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in oral squamous cell carcinoma and potentially malignant oral disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups were studied: Group 1 (12 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC)), Group 2 (12 potentially malignant oral disorders (PMD)) and Group 3 (47 healthy controls). EBV DNA salivary analysis was performed by PCR. RESULTS: The highest percentage of positive salivary EBV DNA corresponded to the OSCC group (58.3%), followed by the PMD group (41.7%) and the controls (40.4%). The differences between groups were not statistically significant, however (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Salivary EBV DNA was more prevalent in OSCC than in PMD or the controls.

[Analysis of the results of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa Externo de Control de Calidad SEIMC. Año 2013.

The External Quality Control Program of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) include controls for bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology, mycobacteria, virology, molecular microbiology and HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral loads. This manuscript presents the analysis of results obtained of the participants from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme, except viral loads controls, that they are summarized in a manuscript abroad. As a whole, the results obtained in 2013 confirm the excellent skill and good technical standards found in previous editions. However, erroneous results can be obtained in any laboratory and in clinically relevant determinations. Once again, the results of this program highlighted the need to implement both internal and external controls in order to assure the maximal quality of the microbiological tests.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2013.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarized the results obtained from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; two of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (25% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 98.9% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (D < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 82% in the case of HCV and 78% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.

Análisis de resultados del Programa Externo de Control de Calidad SEIMC. Año 2013 / Analysis of the results of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013

El Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica incluye las áreas de bacteriología trimestral y mensual, serología, micología, parasitología, micobacterias, virología, microbiología molecular y cargas virales del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana-1, virus de la hepatitis C y virus de la hepatitis B. En este manuscrito se presenta el análisis de los resultados remitidos por los participantes en los controles enviados durante el año 2013, exceptuando los correspondientes a cargas virales, que se presentan en un manuscrito aparte. Los resultados obtenidos con- firman de nuevo la buena capacitación general de los laboratorios españoles de microbiología clínica, como ha venido sucediendo en los años anteriores. A pesar de ello, el programa muestra que es posible obtener un resultado erróneo, incluso en determinaciones de la mayor trascendencia y en cualquier laboratorio. Resaltamos la importancia de complementar el control interno que cada laboratorio lleva a cabo con estudios de intercomparación externos, como los que ofrece el Programa de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica

The External Quality Control Program of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) include controls for bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology, mycobacteria, virology, molecular microbiology and HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral loads. This manuscript presents the analysis of results obtained of the participants from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme, except viral loads controls, that they are summarized in a manuscript abroad. As a whole, the results obtained in 2013 confirm the excellent skill and good technical standards found in previous editions. However, erroneous results can be obtained in any laboratory and in clinically relevant determinations. Once again, the results of this program highlighted the need to implement both internal and external controls in order to assure the maximal quality of the microbiological tests

Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2013 / Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013

Las determinaciones de la carga viral de los virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (VIH-1), de la hepatitis C (VHC) y de la hepatitis B (VHB) son marcadores microbiológicos fundamentales para el seguimiento y control de los pacientes infectados por estos virus. Los laboratorios de microbiología disponen de herramientas que garantizan la fiabilidad de sus resultados; entre ellas se encuentran los programas de intercomparación externos, como es el Programa de Control de Calidad de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC). En el presente número se muestra el análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad SEIMC de carga viral de estos virus, incluyendo el genotipado del VHC realizado durante el año 2013. En el control del VIH-1 se remitieron 5 estándares, de los que 1 (plasma humano seronegativo) no contenía el virus, y los otros 4 consistían en plasma de 3 pacientes virémicos distintos en un intervalo de concentraciones entre 2-5 log10 copias/ml; 2 de ellos eran idénticos, con el fin de analizar la repetibilidad. Una parte significativa de los laboratorios obtuvo de uno a varios resultados fuera de los límites aceptables (media ± 0,25 log10 copias/ml) dependiendo del estándar y del método empleado, en promedio el 25% de los centros. La repetibilidad fue excelente y más del 98,9% de los laboratorios obtuvo resultados aceptables (D < 0,5 log10 copias/ml). En los controles de VHC y VHB se remitieron 2 estándares con diferente contenido del virus. La mayor parte de los participantes, alrededor del 82% en el caso del VHC y del 78% en el del VHB, obtuvo ambos resultados dentro de los límites de la media ± 1,96 DE log10 UI/ml. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto la utilidad de los controles externos para asegurar la calidad de los resultados analíticos, incluyendo la fase postanalítica. Debido a la variabilidad interlaboratorio es aconsejable utilizar un mismo método y el mismo laboratorio en el seguimiento de los pacientes

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load HCV determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these HIV-1 viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarized the results obtained from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; two of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (25% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 98.9% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (D < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 82% in the case of HCV and 78% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up