• Sample Details Non-viable heat fixed positive and negative for Bacillus anthracis glass slides. The slides have been fixed and are safe to handle. Further fixation is not necessary.
  • Method The slides are to be stained using your routine method and examined for the presence of Bacillus anthracis cells.

Overview

The purpose of this scheme is for participants to monitor the performance of their routine procedures for staining and detection of B. anthracis in ovine blood film samples using microscopic examination. The panel issued may include dilutions of a positive sample, duplicate and negative samples.

Result input

Results are returned through our electronic reporting system.

Microscopy: Interpretation: (positive / negative / inconclusive).

Results deadline (from date of shipping)

14 days

PT Report

Authorised report will be published electronically. These will show intended result and results from all participants

Accreditation Status

ISO/IEC 17043 Conformity assessment – General requirements for proficiency testing.

Health and Safety

This material is for in vitro use only, not for use in animals.

Import Permit

It is the responsibility of the participants to check with their customs authority if an import permit is required to import VETQAS® PT samples. If a permit is required, we must receive a valid copy of the permit before the scheduled distribution date. Please note, if we do not receive the permit by the scheduled distribution date the samples will not be shipped and there will be no refund.

Provision of external services

Aspects of the Proficiency Testing schemes may at times be performed by a competent external service provider, for which VETQAS® is responsible.

Additional Information

Inactivation of B. anthracis slides: Cultured B anthracis was inactivated by submersion in formaldehyde at a concentration and length of time determined to be optimal for denaturing the cells while retaining the typical capsule morphology when viewed after staining under magnification. Confirmation of non-viability is determined for every batch of B. anthracis positive slides by incubation of 10 % of slides in brain-heart broth for 24 hours followed by culture of this liquid media on Columbia Horse Blood Agar for 48 hours. Any growth would be tested by RT-PCR for B anthracis to ensure viable B anthracis could not be detected. Slides are also tested for viability by culture.