Food PT scheme sample instruction sheet
Norovirus and Hepatitis A (offered as a non-accredited scheme)

The final date for return of results is indicated on the accompanying request/report form

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: foodeqa@ukhsa.gov.uk
Results should be returned on-line using the web-based reporting system. Go to: www.phe-eqa.org.uk. You will need your log-in details for this process. Please contact us if you experience problems with the on-line system.

Norovirus and Hepatitis A (offered as a non-accredited scheme) Scheme – Instruction Sheet

This scheme consists of two LENTICULE® discs in screw-cap plastic vials (with desiccant). The LENTICULE discs require reconstitution by a process of re-hydration and
dispersion prior to examination.

Refer also to the Safety Data Sheet: Safety data sheet - LENTICULE

Storage:

  • Store the samples at –20 ± 5ºC on receipt.
  • Allow the LENTICULE discs to reach ambient temperature (5 - 10 minutes) before rehydrating in diluent.

Reconstitution:

  • Open the plastic tube and invert it to transfer the LENTICULE disc into a new clean tube.
  • Add 975 µL of sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to the LENTICULE disc.
  • Leave at ambient temperature for a minimum of 10 minutes to rehydrate. Ensure that the LENTICULE disc has dissolved completely before proceeding, this becomes the sample.
  • Disperse the inoculum by inverting approximately 30 times.
  • Examine samples between 30 - 45 minutes after reconstitution.

It is not necessary to include a specific virus extraction step – the samples can be subjected directly to RNA extraction. Analyse each sample for all target viruses. If using a quantitative real-time method, quantify each test sample.

Examination:

  • Examine sample using your routine molecular methods.
  • Detection and quantification (if routinely done) of viruses is required for both samples.

Return of Results:

  • Return your results via an online survey as per email sent to your laboratory.
  • Return results to the organisers before the deadline shown on the request/report form.