BACKGROUND : External quality assessments (EQAs) for the molecular detection of respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) are necessary to ensure the provision of reliable and accurate results. One of the objectives of the pilot of the World Health Organization
(WHO) Global RSV Surveillance, 2016-2017, was to evaluate and standardize RSV
molecular tests used by participating countries. This paper describes the first WHO
RSV EQA for the molecular detection of RSV.
METHODS : The WHO implemented the pilot of Global RSV Surveillance based on the
WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) from 2016 to 2018
in 14 countries. To ensure standardization of tests, 13 participating laboratories were
required to complete a 12 panel RSV EQA prepared and distributed by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA. The 14th laboratory joined the pilot late
and participated in a separate EQA. Laboratories evaluated a RSV rRT-PCR assay developed
by CDC and compared where applicable, other Laboratory Developed Tests
(LDTs) or commercial assays already in use at their laboratories.
RESULTS : Laboratories performed well using the CDC RSV rRT-PCR in comparison with
LDTs and commercial assays. Using the CDC assay, 11 of 13 laboratories reported correct
results. Two laboratories each reported one false-positive finding. Of the laboratories
using LDTs or commercial assays, results as assessed by Ct values were 100% correct
for 1/5 (20%). With corrective actions, all laboratories achieved satisfactory outputs.
CONCLUSIONS : These findings indicate that reliable results can be expected from
this pilot. Continued participation in EQAs for the molecular detection of RSV is recommended.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Respiratory Viruses Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, and the CDC International Reagent Resource (IRR), USA.http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/irvam2020Medical Virolog