ICLAS Network for Promotion of Animal Quality in Research

 Performance Evaluation Program for Diagnostic Laboratories (PEP)

Objectives 

PEP was established in 2007 to enable research animal diagnostic laboratories to monitor and improve their diagnostic performance through a process of self-assessment. 

The Program is open to any diagnostic laboratory worldwide. There are no specific eligibility requirements. We currently have 14 participants – see right panel for details.

Overview of Program

Participating laboratories are sent standardised rodent specimens produced by the Network laboratories. For details of the 2010 PEP Specimen Library click here.

Following analysis, participating laboratories request an ‘Expected Results’ report containing details of the actual biological contents of the specimens. A comparison of results enables the Participating lab to monitor and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of its health monitoring assays.

Benefits of participating in PEP

·        Improved Diagnostic Performance: use of a scientifically robust program to help you monitor the sensitivity and specificity of your lab’s health monitoring assays.

·        Support and advice: access to expert help and advice from the Network Laboratories.

·        Verification of participation: official Participation Certificate plus a web link from the Network’s PEP web page to your laboratory’s website.

Available Programs (mice and rat species):

Serology: 1 annual shipment of 10 specimens

Microbiology: 1 annual shipment of 10 specimens

Combination: 1 annual shipment of 10 serology specimens + 10 microbiology specimens

To apply...

Diagnostic Laboratories currently participating in the PEP program are:

Biolytix AG, Switzerland

Biomedical Diagnostics, (BioDoc), Germany

Central Institute for Experimental Animals, (CIEA), Japan

Cerberus Sciences, Australia

Charles River Laboratories (RADS), France

Charles River Laboratories (RADS), Japan,

Charles River Laboratories (RADS), USA

Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, China

German Cancer Research Center (Microbiological Diagnostics), Germany

Murine Virus Monitoring Services, Australia

National Laboratory Animal Center, Taiwan

QM Diagnostics, the Netherlands

RADIL, University of Missouri, USA

Taconic, USA

University of Miami-Comparative Pathology Lab, USA