Quality

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

The National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) is committed to the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) that fulfils the needs and requirements of NVRL service users. Continual improvement is an essential component of the NVRL QMS. A programme of improvement based around corrective/preventative action and quality indicators is operated throughout the organisation.

Medical laboratories are the first medical discipline for which a specific International standard ISO15189 has been created. The NVRL has been awarded accreditation by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) to ISO15189:2012 (registration number: 326MT) to undertake testing as detailed in the schedule. We are also the nominated World Health Organisation (WHO) national laboratory for the eradication of Polio, national reference laboratory for Measles and Rubella and the national Influenza centre.

The NVRL participates in a number of EQA/ILC schemes:

  • UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme for Microbiology (NEQAS)
  • Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics and Genomic Technologies (QCMD)
  • The Irish External Quality Assessment Scheme (IEQAS)/Labquality External Quality Assessment Scheme for Clinical Laboratories
  • College of American Pathologists (CAP)
  • Robert Koch Institute External Quality Assessment Scheme for Electron Microscopy
  • WHO European Regional Measles/Rubella Laboratory Network
  • WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS)
  • WHO Polio
  • The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs (RCPAQAP)
  • Instand
  • Public Health England (Influenza Proficiency Testing Program Panel and HIV-1 genotypic antiviral resistance)
  • Diagnostic Hybrids commercial panel
  • Public Health England HIV-1 genotypic antiviral resistance testing
  • Interlaboratory comparisons

NVRL service users can review our EQA performance records, please contact our Quality Assurance Office at 01-7161319

WHO EQA Certificate of Completion for Influenza Virus Type A by PCR

ECDC RIVM EQA for Molecular Diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 Variants - certificate is available and will be posted here shortly