Tenth South-East Asia Regional Meeting of Virologists of the Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network

Overview

Objectives of the meeting

• To conduct a detailed desk review of performance of the measles and rubella (MR) laboratories against standard global monitoring indicators, adherence to internal and external quality assurance mechanisms, participation in the WHO global proficiency test scheme and internal audit reports. Based on the findings of the review, laboratories are accorded the WHO proficient status.
• To update the virologists of the MR laboratories on global and regional progress in the MR elimination goal and develop a laboratory contingency plan to respond to emergency measles or rubella outbreaks or sudden increase in the workload of laboratories.
• To discuss learnings and challenges of implementing new serology methods (capture IgM, IgG and avidity) in the laboratories to undertake mid-course corrective actions, if required.
• To update on introduction of a real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction) diagnostic test for case confirmation of measles and rubella in a cost-effective manner.
• To orient participants on upcoming rapid diagnostic kits, proposed changes in proficiency testing, quality assurance and new accreditation checklists of MR laboratories.
• To share experience on implementation of laboratory quality management systems and biorisk management amid high laboratory workload.