CDGN partners with RCPA QAP to develop SARS-CoV-2 WGS PTP

The CDGN is currently supporting the development of proficiency testing programs (PTPs) for SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, providing advice, bioinformatics expertise and support to the Quality Assurance Program (QAP). The PTP will be made available for public health laboratories utilising genomic technologies across Australia.

The CDGN has an ongoing collaboration with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program (RCPAQAP) to develop whole-genome sequencing (WGS) PTPs. PTPs are designed to evaluate the analytical laboratory performance with regard to specific laboratory practices such as microbial genomics and are an important component of the establishment of high-quality and accurate pathogen genomics capacity in Australia.

This work builds on the deployment of Australia’s first WGS PTP, a pilot, which was undertaken in 2018 and 2019, developed in partnership with the RCPAQAP and CDGN. This assessed the participating laboratories capacity to sequence two isolates and analyze the genomic data in accordance to the their  established protocols. Ten public health laboratories participated in the pilot PTP, supporting the development of an approach to implement essential quality assessment and quality control measures for WGS.  

The SARS-CoV-2 WGS PTP is planned for February 2021 with a following bacterial WGS PTP planned for mid-2021. This activity is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health.