7-9 August 1998. It liaises with laboratories to acquire quality assurance data for HIV and HCV assays. A need to acquire data relevant to ensuring efficacy of serological testing for other pathogens has been recognised. Measures to improve test performance will be taken through documenting the results of the quality assurance program and providing data to the testing laboratories. There is a health initiative to eradicate measles from Australia by the year 2000.
Rubella has many health implications in pregnant women.
Yet the accuracy of tests for these viruses has never been investigated. Because there are many anecdotal reports of highly variable or incorrect results the NRL will identify problems with the quality of these assays. This initiative was proposed to the Diagnostics and Technology Branch of the Department of Health and Human Services of the Federal Government. They will fund the initial extensions to the NRL program. The programme will be established within 3 months.