📋 Tender Overview
Since July 2019 Sciensano has obtained BELAC accreditation for the use of new generation sequencing NGS which allows complete genome sequencing WGS. This ambitious technique is the new benchmark established by international specialists and opens up great prospects for genome research at Sciensano. The NGS what is it The next-generation sequencing is a technique that allowsQuickly determine a part of the genome or the genome as a whole i.e. the complete genetic makeup or part of an organism through the parallel analysis of multiple DNA sequences . Characterize a very large number of pathogens based on their genetic information.What role for health The NGS plays a key role in the identification of pathogens and their characteristics. Pathogens are responsible for diseases in humans and animals but they can also be present in the food chain or the environment bacteria germs etc.. Compared to current techniques the more detailed identification of pathogens thanks to NGS facilitates the surveillance of epidemics and the rapid containment of epidemic foci . Cutting-edge technologyFull genome sequencing has the potential to become the main tool of national reference centers CNR and national reference laboratories NRL and involves a renewal of laboratory work methodsLaboratory workflows need to be adaptedEmployees must specialize in the use of the NGSSciensanos Transversal activities in Applied Genomics TAG service now masters these innovative techniques. Evaluated by BELAC the Belgian Accreditation Organization both in terms of laboratory sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the quality of the data generated the TAG service has been awarded accreditation ISO17025 . The Sciensano control laboratories will thus be able to carry out routine analyzes under accreditation using the NGS .Sciensano becomes thanks to BELAC accreditation a flagship inter national player in terms of genome sequencing and at the same time opens up new research perspectives.
