External quality assessments

ECDC supports external quality assessment schemes to strengthen capability and use of reliable laboratory methodologies and ensure comparability of data for EU-level surveillance purposes.

The external quality assessments (EQAs) are conducted by EU Reference Laboratories (EURLs) in public health, designated by the European Commission. The EURLs help national reference laboratories in improving diagnostics, testing methods, and surveillance of serious cross-border health threats. The purpose is to facilitate data comparability, and promote harmonised approaches and best practices across EU Member States. EURLs carry out a range of critical tasks to strengthen public health laboratory capacity across the EU.