Ensuring quality in public health microbiology laboratories in the EU: Quality control and areas in need of strengthening

In September 2009, ECDC convened a meeting of its National Microbiology Focal Points (NMFPs), a group of experts that provide technical and strategic input on overarching questions in microbiology. During the meeting, representatives from national and international quality assurance organisations explained the relevant systems and structures currently in place, and the participating NMFPs elaborated on the quality assurance systems in use in their countries. The participants agreed that ECDC could promote quality assurance by reinforcing collaboration, stimulating the exchange of good practices, and by providing relevant information resources.