Core Insights - Microbix Biosystems Inc. and Labquality Oy have launched a novel external quality assessment (EQA) program aimed at improving the accuracy of clinical laboratories in identifying HPV-associated head and neck cancers [1][4] - The EQA program is introduced at the 2025 European Society for Clinical Virology meeting and addresses the need for proficiency checks in laboratories performing HPV-related diagnostics [1][4] Group 1: Industry Context - Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are increasingly common, particularly in males, with over 300,000 cases diagnosed annually in North America and Western Europe, representing approximately 4% of all cancers [2] - Accurate identification of HPV-driven HNCs is crucial as these patients have better prognoses, influencing treatment decisions [2] Group 2: EQA Program Details - The EQA program utilizes Microbix's QAPs™ mimetics of HNC patient samples, which include both immunohistochemical (IHC) and PCR targets, to assess laboratory competency [3][5] - A pilot study involving 32 clinical laboratories revealed significant discrepancies in p16 IHC staining protocols, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic accuracy through reflex testing [4] Group 3: Company Profiles - Microbix Biosystems Inc. specializes in creating proprietary biological products for human health, targeting revenues of C$ 2.0 million or more per month, and is involved in the global diagnostics industry [7] - Labquality Oy provides external quality assessment services to over 8,000 customers in more than 60 countries, focusing on enhancing laboratory proficiency and patient care [9]
Microbix Client Labquality Introduces Novel EQA Scheme at ESCV