Design of external quality assessment (EQA) schemes and definition of the roles of their providers in future epidemics

Background The accuracy of individual test results affects the reliability of epidemiological indicators during pandemics. Therefore, the performance of test facilities and test systems must be continuously monitored. In this respect, external quality assessment (EQA) schemes are unique data sources, and their providers may serve as valuable contact for non-EQA inquiries on technical-analytical topics. However, the epidemiological importance of EQA during pandemics has not yet been evaluated. Methods Seventeen publications on SARS-CoV-2 virus genome detection EQA schemes were evaluated for their content of information which was aggregated and classified as “relevant”, “conditionally relevant” or “imperceptibly relevant” for the quality of public health microbiology. The effort required to report on any missing information was estimated. Extra-EQA services of EQA providers were also assessed for their epidemiological relevance. Findings Publications contained six to nine of the ten information criteria classified as relevant for public health microbiology. The effort required to report missing information appeared low. Information classified as epidemiologically conditionally relevant was collected only from dedicated EQA rounds. Extra-EQA services from EQA providers seemed particularly important in times of a pandemic. Interpretation Professional operation of non-EQA services and competent design of EQA schemes by their providers ensure that test facilities receive the best possible support during pandemics and that relevant information on the performance of infection diagnostics is made available. The importance of EQA for public health emergency response is therefore evident. Funding None.