Molecular EQA solutions for SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19)
Following on from the success of the QCMD 2021 Coronavirus Outbreak Preparedness EQA Pilot Study, Randox is pleased to announce two new QCMD EQA programmes for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Each programme is designed to evaluate a laboratories ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) using routine molecular methods and will provide an opportunity to assess performance against an international peer group.
QCMD is a world leading EQA / Proficiency Testing (PT) provider, dedicated to improving the quality of molecular diagnostic assays used in the detection of infectious diseases. With an extensive database of over 2000 participants in over 100 countries, QCMD is one of the largest providers of molecular EQA in the field of infectious disease testing.
For more information on QCMD click here
Features & Benefits
- Whole Pathogen –The availability of whole pathogen samples containing the entire viral genome, ensures compatibility with the majority of commercial & in-house assays targeting the CDC and WHO consensus sequences.
- Monitor the Entire Testing Process – EQA samples are designed to mimic the patient sample and assess the full testing process from extraction to amplification and detection.
- Comprehensive Reports – An individual report is received after each challenge, summarising laboratory performance in comparison to an international peer group.
- Online EQA Management System – IT EQA Management System (ITEMS) provides an online tool to easily manage all EQA activities from programme registration to submission of results and provision of EQA reports.
- Not Infectious – Samples containing SARS-CoV-2 are inactivated and not infectious ensuring safe handling of material.
QCMD 2021 SARS-CoV-2 EQA Study (SCV2)
The SARS-CoV-2 programme is designed to assess the ability of laboratories to detect SARS-CoV-2 at clinically relevant levels, near the Limit of Detection (LOD) and to assess the specificity of the assay in the presence of other coronaviruses. Four flexible participation options are available including;
| Feature | Available Format(s) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalogue Number | QAV204215_1A | QAV204215_1B | QAV204215_1C | QAV204215_1D |
| Number of Challenges | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Number of Samples per Challenge | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Distribution / Testing Period | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
Specifications
Sample NA Target Source – Cultured and/or clinical material
Target Range – Covers the clinical range
Matrix – Transport Medium
Sample Volume – 1 ml
Analysis Type – Qualitative
Format – Liquid Frozen
QCMD 2021 Respiratory I Plus (RESPIplus)
The new RESPIplus EQA programme covers SARS-CoV-2 in addition to other respiratory pathogens including Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and is ideal for laboratories using multiplex and/or cartridge based molecular systems. The programme is designed to assess the ability of molecular workflows in the detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 in combination with other respiratory pathogen targets.
| Feature | Available Format(s) |
|---|---|
| Catalogue Number | QAV204216_1 |
| Number of Challenges | 1 |
| Number of Samples per Challenge | 10 |
| Distribution / Testing Period | Q4 |
Specifications
Sample NA Target Source – Cultured and/or clinical material
Target Range – Covers the clinical range
Matrix – Transport Medium
Sample Volume – 1 ml
Analysis Type – Qualitative
Format – Liquid Frozen