To support institutes developing biological metrology programme capabilities, and to help the wider metrology community strengthen their understanding of infectious disease diagnostics, the CCQM Task Group on Infectious Disease Diagnostics and Metrology for Pandemic Preparedness has developed a targeted e-learning course. Comprised of multiple short modules, the course focuses on strengthening technical understanding of infectious disease diagnostics in pandemic response.

New eLearning course supports wider knowledge transfer

In this new self-study course participants will explore why measurement standards and reference materials are essential for reliable infectious disease diagnostics.

The course examines:

• The critical balance between speed and accuracy, detailing how uncalibrated diagnostic tests can lead to false results, wasted resources, and inappropriate public health decision-making.
• The foundational concepts of metrology, including the definition of reference materials, metrological traceability, and commutability.
• How the international metrology community utilizes rapid "fire drills" to quickly establish measurement baselines during novel outbreaks.
• And finally, practical guidance on:
  • test validation
  • proper material handling
  • avoiding matrix effects
  • troubleshooting discordant lab results.

The course is available on the BIPM eLearning site to National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) from BIPM Member States and Associates.

Background

The CCQM Task Group on Infectious Disease Diagnostics and Metrology for Pandemic Preparedness was established to oversee implementation of recommendations identified by the measurement community, global policy and the wider healthcare sector, in the CCQM Roadmap to Metrology Readiness for Infectious Disease Pandemic Response.

In response to needs identified in this roadmap, the first molecular biology ‘fire-drill’ exercise has already been completed, and the second protein exercise is currently underway.

In parrel, in collaboration with the WHO, further efforts have also established metrological consideration in several relevant infectious disease Target Product Profiles (TPPs).

This most recent capacity-building activity aims to support institutes developing biological metrology capabilities and to help the wider metrology community strengthen their understanding of infectious disease diagnostics in pandemic response.