External quality assessment of molecular detection and variant typing of SARS-CoV-2 in European expert laboratories in 2023.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of laboratory preparedness. Regular monitoring of diagnostic tools via external quality assessments (EQAs) is key to maintaining robust public health response service. We hereby conducted a third SARS-CoV-2 EQA assessing the diagnostic capabilities of European expert public health laboratories. A 10 samples panel containing Alpha (used in previous EQA), BA.4, BA.5, and BQ.1.18 variants along with human seasonal coronaviruses and negative controls was produced and validated. Participants were invited by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and asked to submit results and assay details via electronic forms. Thirty-eight laboratories from 31 European countries participated. Most (n = 32, 84%) identified all panel

SUBMITTER: Heimsch KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11980390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature