PURPOSE
The main purposes of the Mycobacterium SIG are:
to serve as a platform and forum for discussion of all matters pertaining to mycobacteria. This includes both diagnostic and research efforts that are related to any mycobacterial species. Particular focus is placed on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex due to its public health implications.
to provide support for laboratories within Australia and New Zealand who deal with samples and cultures specifically for mycobacteria.
SCOPE
The Mycobacteria Special Interest Group hosts an annual meeting which is usually scheduled to occur on world TB day – March 24. The meeting is hosted by the individual State reference laboratories on a rotational basis. This has also expanded to include the reference laboratory within Auckland.
The group has been instrumental in providing quality assurance support by developing a mycobacterium specific QAP that is prepared by each of the Mycobacterium Reference Laboratories (MRL). The results are discussed at the annual meeting. Initially the QAP included the individual PC3 compliant reference laboratories only, but has since expanded to include PC3 compliant non-reference laboratories.
In recent years the RCPA has supported the provision of the QAP assisting with dissemination of panels and result collation.
BACKGROUND
The Mycobacterium Special Interest Group was initially set up as a place where the specific Mycobacterium Reference Laboratories (MRL) within each Australian state could compare and swap ideas and techniques.
The group has since grown to include non-reference laboratories both within Australia and New Zealand.