Virology Proficiency Testing Program

News

• The September 2008 General Proficiency Test panel will include one Educational Sample. It is not mandatory that you test this sample-it is an optional sample. Your response for this sample can be entered in EPTRS. The Evaluation Report will list your laboratory's result, a feedback response (correct vs. incorrect) as well as the consensus response. However, the result on this educational sample will not be included in your final grade. Please notify staff about this additional sample.
• Generic worksheets will be provided for your optional use. Please do not return these worksheets to us. Generic worksheets can also be printed via the HPN (https://commerce.health.state.ny.us/doh3/applinks/eptrs/).
• Your laboratory's Evaluation Report is available at https://commerce.health.state.ny.us/doh3/applinks/eptrs/ and can be printed for your records. Evaluation Reports will NO LONGER be sent to each laboratory.
• The NYSDOH Virology Proficiency Testing Program has incorporated changes that will affect your facility. The highlights of these changes include:
  • Effective immediately, the Herpes Group Virus Only (HGVO) proficiency test panel has been eliminated from the Virology Proficiency Testing Program. This issue was addressed in the October 26, 2007 HGVO critique letter. Beginning in January 2008, facilities that received the previously named Herpes Group Virus Only panel will receive the Herpes simplex virus test panel. This panel will include samples of herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 and will NOT include cytomegalovirus or varicella zoster virus samples. The facility must make alternative arrangements for proficiency testing of CMV and VZV to meet the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) QA Standard 8. Please refer to the CLEP website for the 2008 Proficiency Testing Program schedule for shipment dates for the HSV Testing panel. We ask that you share this information with appropriate staff members.
  • Individual score sheets will no longer be sent to each facility after a PT event. Scores can be accessed through the Electronic Proficiency Testing Reporting System (EPTRS) on the HPN.
  • General permit laboratories, beginning in January 2007, will also be participating in Rotavirus, Respiratory syncytial virus and Influenza A and B Direct Antigen Detection proficiency testing in addition to the Virology General panel. General labs, based on their July 2006 survey responses, will be receiving multiple panels sent in separate boxes on different days.
  • The Virology PT Program is now using the Electronic Proficiency Testing Reporting System (EPTRS). Participation in EPTRS is now mandatory. Laboratories must submit test results electronically for all events. The due date is no longer a postmark date and is the same date as the deadlines for electronic submissions. If your facility needs assistance or has questions regarding the entry and submission of proficiency test results or the account application process, please contact clepeptrs@health.state.ny.us
  • The former Direct Antigen Detection subcategory, Influenza A, has been renamed Influenza A and B. This subcategory has been expanded to include influenza A and influenza B beginning in January 2007. Please note, for laboratories performing influenza rapid testing with kits that only detect influenza virus type A, their results will be scored solely on the basis of their detection of influenza A.
  • There is no longer a herpes simplex virus Direct Antigen Detection subcategory. Herpes simplex virus only testing has been placed in the category Herpes Group Virus Only-limited to HSV testing.
  • Generic worksheets will be provided for your use. These worksheets are optional. Please do not return worksheets to us.