The concept of external quality assessment super challenges with special consideration of their importance during pandemics

In this Personal View, we introduce the concept of external quality assessment (EQA) super challenges, in which multiple EQA providers, at approximately the same time and in a coordinated manner, use test samples with identical characteristics in their programmes. The evaluation of test results from the resulting increase in the number of laboratories and test systems used (considering the resulting greater variety of influencing factors that apply to the analysis in the individual laboratories) enables the collection of data that reveals differences, advantages, and disadvantages of individual test systems, in addition to the extent of individual influencing factors. By comparing the analytical performance of test systems and highlighting their limitations, EQA super challenges and the examination results collected by them are valuable contributions for post-market surveillance of diagnostic tests, aid harmonisation in laboratory medicine, and help to identify areas for improvement for manufacturers, policy makers, and regulators. Especially during or in preparation for epidemics or pandemics, EQA super challenges are particularly valuable for public health institutions to quickly gain a clear picture of the testing performance.