Detection of West Nile virus RNA (lineages 1 and 2) in an external quality assessment programme for laboratories screening blood and blood components for West Nile virus by nucleic acid amplification testing.

Abstract

The External quality assessment programme run in 2011 allowed participants to assess the performance of the nucleic acid amplification test methods applied in their seasonal routine screening of blood donations. The results confirm the 95% limit of detection reported by the test kits' manufacturers for both West Nile virus lineages.