1 – Scheme overview

This scheme is intended for the assessment of the performance of techniques used for the serological diagnosis of syphilis: treponemal (manual or automated) and non-treponemal tests.

Statistical reports are sent with supporting comments from the expert clinical biologists who coordinate the scheme.

2 – Assessment frequency

Number of investigations per year: 4
Number of control samples per investigation: 1 or 2
Number of samples per year: 6

3 – List of tests assessed

• Treponemal tests: qualitative (positive, negative, doubtful) and quantitative (titration) results
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• Non-treponemal tests: qualitative (positive, negative, doubtful) and quantitative (titration) results

4 – Description of the control samples

Lyophilized human control serums (samples to be resuspended in 1 mL of distilled water).

5 - Clinical settings

The clinical setting for the samples to be tested during each investigation is systematically described and participating labs are encouraged to propose a global interpretation of the results obtained. This interpretation is also commented in the reports.