International Proficiency Testing Scheme for the Leptospirosis MAT
The International Proficiency Testing Scheme for the Leptospirosis MAT is provided by collaborators in Amsterdam and Melbourne, on behalf of ILS.
The objectives of the scheme are (a) to provide participants with information about the quality of their MAT testing, as an aid to improved performance, and (b) to encourage a general improvement in the performance of MAT testing and in leptospirosis diagnosis throughout the world.
Panels of 5 samples have been sent to participants approximately annually since 2002. After the closing date for results, participants receive an emailed preliminary report, identifying the samples. Later they receive a final report, comparing and analysing results from different laboratories.
How to Participate
Any laboratory performing the MAT may participate in the scheme. Approximately 100 laboratories from about 45 countries participate.
Round 22 started in late 2025, and is still in progress. Major delays and difficulties have been caused by recent changes in regulations relating to the international transport of biological material.
Because of these difficulties, Round 23 (2026) cannot be shipped until the first half of 2027. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
- The general cost of participating in Round 22 (2025) was AUD 440, USD 320, or EUR 270 or GBP 230.
- The Round 22 cost for participants working in resource-poor environments was AUD 220 or USD 160.
The cost to participants of Round 23 has yet to be determined.
Laboratories wishing to participate in Round 23 should contact Roderick Chappel at ilspt@ozemail.com.au. Laboratories wishing to participate should nominate the currency in which they wish to be invoiced.
Please note the following:
- Laboratories that have submitted results for Round 22 and paid the Round 22 invoice will be automatically listed for Round 23 unless they advise otherwise.
- Only one set of results will be accepted for one laboratory ID.
Enquiries and comments relating to the scheme can be directed to Paula Ristow, Director of the Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam (lepto@amc.nl) or Roderick Chappel at Trenoweth Consulting in Melbourne (ilspt@ozemail.com.au).
Publication
Chappel, R.J., Goris, M., Palmer, R.F. and Hartskeerl, R.A. (2004) Impact of proficiency testing on results of the microscopic agglutination test for diagnosis of leptospirosis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42:5484-5488.