Nationwide quality assurance of high-throughput diagnostic molecular testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: role of the Belgian National Reference Centre
Authors: Janssen Reile , Cuypers Lize , Laenen Lies , Keyaerts Els , Beuselinck Kurt , Janssenswillen Sunita , Slechten Bram , Bode Jannes , Wollants Elke , Van Laethem Kristel , Rector Annabel , Bloemen Mandy , Sijmons Anke , de Schaetzen Nathalie , Capron Arnaud , Van Baelen Kurt , Pascal Thierry , Vermeiren Céline , Bureau Fabrice , Vandesompele Jo , De Smet Pieter , Uten Wouter , Malonne Hugues , Kerkhofs Pierre , De Cock Jo , Matheeussen Veerle , Verhasselt Bruno , Gillet Laurent , Detry Gautier , Bearzatto Bertrand , Degosserie Jonathan , Henin Coralie , Pairoux Gregor ,   COVID-19 Genomics Belgium Consortium, André Emmanuel , Maes Piet , Baele Guy , Dellicour Simon , Cuypers Lize , Van Ranst Marc , Potter Barney , Hong Samuel , Dufrasne François E. , Bayon-Vicente Guillaume , Wattiez Ruddy , Vael Carl , Berckmans Lynsey , Selhorst Philippe , Ariën Kevin K. , Marchant Arnaud , Henin Coralie , Haerlingen Benoit , De Mendonca Ricardo , Delforge Marie-Luce , Van Dooren Sonia , Hinckel Bruno , Imamura Hideo , Janssen Toon , Caljon Ben , Soetens Oriane , Piérard Denis , Demuyser Thomas , Michel Charlotte , Vandenberg Olivier , van den Wijngaert Sigi , Zorzi Giulia , Ruelle Jean , Mukadi Benoit Kabamba , Gala Jean-Luc , Bearzatto Bertrand , Ambroise Jérôme , Van Lint Philippe , Verstrepen Walter , Naesens Reinout , Peeters Michael , Bakelants Kate , Denayer Sarah , Klamer Sofieke , Hilbert Pascale , Brohée Sylvain , Léonard Pierre-Emmanuel , Karadurmus Deniz , Gras Jeremie , Féret Damien , Lambert Barbara , Vankeerberghen Anne , Holderbeke Astrid , De Beenhouwer Hans , Cattoir Lien , Lammens Christine , Xavier Basil Britto , Le Mercier Marie , Coppens Jasmine , Matheeussen Veerle , Goossens Herman , Martens Geert A. , Swaert Koen , Van Hoecke Frederik , Desmet Dieter , Vanhee Merijn , Bogaerts Pierre , Degosserie Jonathan , Denis Olivier , Huang Te-Din , Obbels Dagmar , Valgaeren Hanne , Frans Johan , Smismans Annick , Claus Paul-Emile , Goegebuer Truus , Lemmens Ann , Van den Poel Bea , De Bock Sonja , Laffut Wim , Van Even Ellen , Van Acker Jos , Verfaillie Charlotte , Vanlaere Elke , De Rauw Klara , Maes Brigitte , Froyen Guy , Cruys Bert , Geerdens Ellen , Waumans Luc , Van Meensel Britt , Cartuyvels Reinoud , Berden Severine , Raymaekers Marijke , Verhasselt Bruno , Meex Cécile , Durkin Keith , Gillet Laurent , Artesi Maria , Hayette Marie-Pierre , Bontems Sébastien , Bours Vincent , Gourzonès Claire , Ek Olivier , Bureau Fabrice , Hellemans Jorn , Descheemaeker Patrick , Reynders Marijke , Maes Piet , Van Ranst Marc , Lagrou Katrien , Dequeker Elisabeth , André Emmanuel 
Published: February 2024

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).