EMQN CIC is a trusted provider of quality assurance tools and knowledge to the human genomic testing community. At EMQN, we have over 25 years’ experience in offering External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes designed to ensure the highest standards in molecular diagnostic procedures, analytical performance, and clinical interpretation.

EMQN offers a new EQA scheme specifically tailored for point-of-care Testing (POCT) detecting the MT-RNR1 m.1555A>G, associated with aminoglycoside induced deafness. This EQA will provide healthcare professionals testing for this variant with the opportunity to assess not only their testing processes but also to speed up their test implementation by using our package of verification materials. This is particularly valuable because using patient samples for validation can be challenging and time consuming due to the rarity of the tested RNR1 variant in the population.

In addition to our EQA programs, we offer educational resources, workshops, and training opportunities to support ongoing professional development and knowledge exchange within the genomic testing community.

Advancing Point-of-Care Testing in Genomics: EMQN's Role in the Devote Project as EQA Provider - Dr Rosa Morra, Scientific Programme Manager, EMQN:

EMQN CIC is pleased to announce the launch of a new EQA scheme for MT-RNR1 Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), suitable for use with the NICE-approved Genedrive® MT-RNR1 ID Kit.

This scheme is designed to support the accurate identification of patients in acute clinical settings who carry the MT-RNR1 m.1555A>G variant, ensuring they receive alternative antibiotics to prevent hearing loss.

This pilot EQA program is the first of its kind in the emerging field of POCT for pharmacogenomics, marking a significant step toward fast and accurate pharmacogenomic testing in acute care environments. In these settings, where immediate clinical decisions are based on test outcomes, even minor errors can have profound consequences.

Our EQA scheme provides patient-like samples that participants can process similarly to cheek or buccal swabs. With an annual subscription, participants will receive three EQA samples every two months (18 samples per year), allowing them to verify the ongoing accuracy of MT-RNR1 testing on their POCT devices, to ensure patients receive the most reliable diagnoses possible.

Registration for the EMQN CIC MT-RNR1 EQA scheme is now open

Additionally, EMQN CIC offers a managed POCT service for sites that lack local Point-of-Care department support for performance oversight. EMQN CIC will take on tasks typically handled by a Point-of-Care coordinator, such as instrument registration, database maintenance on EMQN platforms, result entry, issue reporting, interpretation, and poor performance management. The service also includes a dedicated helpline, offering direct access to experienced personnel for advice on method performance, troubleshooting, and result interpretation.

The low frequency of the MT-RNR1 variant makes it difficult to verify testing methodologies, therefore we have also developed a separate Device Verification Samples for MT-RNR1 POCT to help implement and verify new devices.

You must have an EMQN account to purchase the Device Verification Samples. More information can be found on our website by visiting our online catalogue and searching for 'DVS’.

For more information regarding the scheme please visit our POCT website page and/or contact us by email office@emqn.org.

Download our Best Practice guidelines or watch a webinar to learn more about genomic testing excellence:

https://www.emqn.org/resources/

Find out more about the DEVOTE programme:

https://healthinnovationmanchester.com/our-work/health-innovation-accelerator/

Find out more about NICE guidelines for MT-RNR1 testing:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/hte6

Find out more about NICE guidelines for CYP2C19 testing:

https://www.nice.org.uk/consultations/2556/1/recommendations

Contact details:

Address:

Unit 4, Enterprise House, Pencroft Way, Manchester, M15 6SE