Last updated on 20-4-2022 by Arnaud Capron
Authors
Steven Van Vooren; Grayson, James; Van Ranst, Marc; Elisabeth Dequeker; Laenen, Lies; Janssen, Reile; Gillet, Laurent; Bureau, Fabrice; Coppieters, Wouter; Nathalie Devos; Hengchen, Benjamin; P Wattiau; Méhauden, Sibylle; Yvan Verlinden; Van Baelen, Kurt; Pattery, Theresa; Valentin, Jean-Pierre; Kris Janssen; Geraerts, Martine; Smeraglia, John; Jan Hellemans; Wytynck, Pieter; Mestdagh, Pieter; Nienke Besbrugge; Höfer, René; Nollet, Friedel; Vandesompele, Jo; De Smet, Pieter; Lebon, John; Emmanuel Vandewynckele; Steven Verstrepen; Uten, Wouter; Capron, Arnaud; Malonne, Hugues; Poels, Jeroen; Andre, EmmanuelKeywords
Abstract:
We present our approach to rapidly establishing a standardized, multi-site, nation-wide COVID-19 screening program in Belgium. Under auspices of a federal government Task Force responsible for upscaling the country’s testing capacity, we were able to set up a national testing initiative with readily available resources, putting in place a robust, validated, high-throughput, and decentralized qPCR molecular testing platform with embedded proficiency testing. We demonstrate how during an acute scarcity of equipment, kits, reagents, personnel, protective equipment, and sterile plastic supplies…