Last updated on 20-4-2022 by Arnaud Capron
Authors
Steven, Van; James, Grayson; Van Ranst, Marc; Elisabeth, Dequeker; Lies, Laenen; Reile, Janssen; Gillet, Laurent; Bureau, Fabrice; Wouter, Coppieters; Nathalie, Devos; Benjamin, Hengchen; P Wattiau; Sibylle, Méhauden; Yvan, Verlinden; Kurt, Van; Theresa, Pattery; Jean-Pierre, Valentin; Kris, Janssen; Martine, Geraerts; John, Smeraglia; Jan, Hellemans; Pieter, Wytynck; Pieter, Mestdagh; Nienke, Besbrugge; René, Höfer; Friedel, Nollet; Vandesompele, Jo; Pieter, De; John, Lebon; Emmanuel, Vandewynckele; Steven, Verstrepen; Wouter, Uten; Arnaud, Capron; Hugues, Malonne; Jeroen, Poels; 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…