NIBSC - Aims

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Standardisation of qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid test to contribute to the safety of blood, tissues and organs with regard to blood borne pathogens

To investigate and develop a new generation of reagents and standards, e. g. synthetic nucleic acids, non-infectious biological materials

To develop, evaluate and provide reference reagents and International Standards for qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid assays for blood borne pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and parasites
To organise collaborative studies to evaluate candidate materials, validate methods and establish reproducibility between laboratories
To exchange information on the technical and scientific aspects of nucleic acid assays, assist in the development of regulatory approaches and exchange views on the technology and its application between professionals in:
1. Control Authorities
2. Academic laboratories
3. Manufacturers of blood products
4. Kit manufacturers
5. Diagnostic laboratories
6. Blood banks
To investigate and develop a new generation of reagents and standards, e. g. synthetic nucleic acids, non-infectious biological materials
To develop standards for new assays for emerging and re-emerging pathogens and genetic variability
To develop standards in support of new technologies, e. g. multiplex nucleic acid assays, micro-arrays
To develop methods for the correlation of nucleic acid concentration with antigen concentration and infectivity
To evaluate pathogen reduction methods and to develop standards for monitoring infectivity e. g. for quantitation of pathogen reduction