[Reliability of results evaluation for the passive hemagglutination test in pertussis obtained from WSSE...

This study was undertaken for assessing of the reliability of the passive haemagglutination test with B. pertussis endotoxin in 18 laboratories of the Sanitary Epidemiological Stations. Each laboratory determined the level of pertussis antibodies in three serum samples twice, at interval of two weeks. The correct results were obtained in 7 laboratories (38.9%). The results of pertussis antibodies determination in only one or two samples were differed more than twice from correct in 5 additional laboratories; in this way the test was carried out satisfactorily in 12 laboratories (66.7%). Reproducibility of the results was good in 12 laboratories (66.7%). The study showed the necessity of repeated interlaboratory controls and periodic training of laboratory workers for raising of the quality and reliability of serological investigations for pertussis.