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 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 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.
