Publication
Title
Nationwide quality assurance of high-throughput diagnostic molecular testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic : role of the Belgian National Reference Centre
Author
Institution/Organisation
COVID-19 Genomics Belgium Consortium
Abstract
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Belgium, UZ/KU Leuven has played a crucial role as the National Reference Centre (NRC) for respiratory pathogens, to be the first Belgian laboratory to develop and implement laboratory developed diagnostic assays for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and later to assess the quality of commercial kits. To meet the growing demand for decentralised testing, both clinical laboratories and government-supported high-throughput platforms were gradually deployed across Belgium. Consequently, the role of the NRC transitioned from a specialised testing laboratory to strengthening capacity and coordinating quality assurance. Here, we outline the measures taken by the NRC, the national public health institute Sciensano and the executing clinical laboratories to ensure effective quality management of molecular testing throughout the initial two years of the pandemic (March 2020 to March 2022).
Language
English
Source (journal)
Virology journal. - London
Publication
London : 2024
ISSN
1743-422X
DOI
10.1186/S12985-024-02308-Y
Volume/pages
21 :1 (2024) , p. 1-17
Article Reference
40
ISI
001161003100001
Pubmed ID
38341597
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 12.02.2024
Last edited 08.05.2024
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