Current Edition

Report on the Molecular Microbiology Meeting, Lilyfield

The second Molecular Microbiology Meeting was held in Lilyfield NSW on Thursday March 8 2012 and was attended by Liza Cabuang from the NRL Quality Assurance Team and Stirling Dick from the NRL Testing Team.  The aim of the Molecular Microbiology Meeting was to bring clinical and laboratory staff with an interest in Molecular Microbiology together to explore, evaluate and update each other with new molecular technologies and to provide clinicians and laboratory staff the opportunity to interact in an informal setting.  This was done over four sessions, divided into Virology, Clinical Microbiology, New Technologies and Quality Assurance.

Stirling presented work being performed by NRL Testing on the development of an HTLV viral load Real Time PCR assay and the topic of registering In-house IVDs was the focus of much discussion.  Overall, it was a diverse workshop with many interesting topics.  Thank you to Professor Jon Iredell of Westmead Millenium Institute and Dr. Keith Stanley of AusDiagnostics for convening a well-run event. 

Change of Name for DigitalPT

From early 2012, the DigitalPT software became known as OASYS (Oneworld Accuracy System), part of the new Oneworld Accuracy Collaboration. 
For further information, click here.

Modifications to OASYS (DigitalPT)

Over the past year, NRL and HealthMetrx have been working together to modify OASYS (DigitalPT) to increase it's usability and simplicity.  During Test Event 3, 2011 and Test Event 1, 2012, participants in selected NRL NAT EQAS would have noticed some of these changes.  Participants were given the option of continuing with the existing data entry screens or trying the new screens, with most participants opting to try the new data entry screens.  Results from a survey of users on the ease of the new data entry screens indicated that over 90% found it “good” or “excellent”.  From Test Event 2, 2012, the new data entry screens will be applied to the remaining NRL EQAS. Participants will once again be given the option to choose between the new or the old data entry screens.  NRL strongly encourages participants to try the new screens. 

Further, for Test Event 3, 2012, NRL and HealthMetrx expect to have a fully redeveloped the data entry interface.  The new screens will utilise technology that will provide participants further simplified data entry interface with new functionality.  Consequently, the old data entry screens will not be available for Test Event 3, 2012.  In addition, the new data entry interface will not be compatible with Internet Explorer 6 (this version is no longer supported by Microsoft).   Please take the opportunity to trial the new data entry screens and provide NRL with your feedback, which will be used to further improve the software.

Are you attending the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress in Cancun?

Adjacent to the ISBT Congress (7-12 July 2012) NRL will hold its 2nd International NRL Symposium on Quality Assurance.  This meeting provides scientists working in the field of Transfusion Transmitted Infection (TTI) screening to share, learn and be informed of Quality Assurance matters and TTI testing challenges.  Further details will be provided in the next edition of NRL News. 

Click here to express your interest in attending this symposium.

Welcome Marlene Tschaepe

NRL welcomes a new member to our team. Marlene completed a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Medical Microbiology) from The University of Melbourne in 2003; and also completed a Masters of Biotechnology (majoring in Clinical Microbiology) from RMIT Universiry in 2006. Prior to joining NRL in April 2012, Marlene worked at DTS Food Laboratories in Kensigton, Melbourne for seven years as a Microbiologist, Training Officer and Weekend Supervisor.

Marlene joins the NRL Training team, supporting the NRL’s training and capacity building activities in the region. Welcome Marlene!

Early Bird Registrations are CLOSING SOON for the NRL Workshop

Register before 1 May, 2012 to go in the draw for the Early  Bird Prize (sponsored by ). 
Click here to register now!