Service Quality of laboratories
Sciensano’s service Quality of laboratories is responsible for the i) monitoring of the performance of the Belgian medical centres for human genetics and ii) the financing of their participation to external quality assessments (EQA) schemes focusing on genetic analyses used in the context of rare diseases. These activities are carried out in close collaboration with the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV) as sponsor of the project, and the Belgian centres for human genetics.
Working group “EQA schemes selection and financing”
A working group composed of representatives of the 8 Belgian centres of human genetics and one quality officer from Sciensano was set up in 2018.
Besides the development of financing conditions for the participation of the Belgian centres of human genetics to external quality assessment (EQA) schemes focused on genetic analyses used in the context of rare diseases, this working group aims to harmonise the participation of the centres to these EQA schemes, and annually review the panel of EQA schemes for which the participation costs can be reimbursed.
A procedure has been established for the selection of fundable EQA schemes and national recommendations about the minimum frequency of participation to these controls have also been published (see below).
List of fundable EQA
Selection procedure for the fundable EQA
Experts
Belgian College of Human Genetics and Rare Diseases
The main task of the College of Human Genetics and Rare Diseases is to develop and maintain the Belgian clinical, technical and research excellence in the field of human genetics.
Therefore, the College regularly organises evaluations in all areas of human genetics and develops guidelines for genetic diagnosis and treatment. To fulfill its missions, the College calls on the different working groups that it oversees, and works in close collaboration with the Belgian Society for Human Genetics (BeSHG), Sciensano, the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre, the INAMI-RIZIV and the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.
Database for genetic tests
The “Belgian Genetic Tests Database” was developed in 2019 by Sciensano’s service Health services research and funded by the INAMI-RIZIV.
It provides information about the genetic tests performed by the Belgian centres of human genetics, including those used for rare diseases.
The website supports the users in their research on genetic tests based on the targeted disease or gene(s) involved. In addition, information about the quality management system of the centers is also displayed: BELAC accreditation and participation to EQA schemes for the different tests that they carry out.
Scientific publications
Contact
Scientific manager
Joséphine Lantoine
+32 2 642 53 94
josephine.Lantoine@sciensano.be
Substitute
Nathalie Vandevelde
+32 2 642 55 89
nathalie.vandevelde@sciensano.be
Secretary
+32 2 642 55 22
QL_secretariat@sciensano.be
Rue Juliette Wytsman 14 • 1050 Brussel