Rapid assessment of antigenic characterisation capability and capacity for SARS-CoV-2 viruses in EU/EEA laboratories

Key messages

• EU/EEA countries and Switzerland have substantial capability and capacity in antigenic characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 viruses across the region.
• Multiple methods for antigenic characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 have been implemented in EU/EEA laboratories.
• Additional EU/EEA countries are in the process of adding antigenic characterisation to their laboratory methods.
• The main bottlenecks in this area are access to method protocols, reagents, BSL3 facilities and training for laboratory personnel.
• ECDC is supporting EU/EEA countries through central laboratory testing activities, as well as information and protocol sharing and upcoming training activities.