TSE Reference Laboratory remit

The functions and duties of the NRLs are detailed in Commission Decision 999/2001 pdf version (Official Journal of the European Communities L Series vol 44 L147 p1-40) and can be summarised as follows:

Each NRL should, for the Member State(s) it serves:

  • have at its disposal facilities and expert personnel;
  • verify diagnostic methods used in regional diagnostic laboratories;
  • co-ordinate diagnostic standards;
  • hold representative samples from confirmed cases;
  • co-operate with the CRL.

The VLA, as the CRL, has the following remit:

  • Provision of expertise on the diagnosis and epidemiology of TSE.
  • Coordination of methods employed within the European Community for the diagnosis of TSE, and active disease surveillance.
  • Regular quality assurance assessments of rapid and confirmatory methods in use in NRLs.
  • Characterisation of TSE isolates by the most relevant methods.
  • Collection and collation of data and information on diagnostic methods and results.
  • Development of the NRL communication network
  • Active involvement in the evaluation of new tests, and modifications to existing commercial tests on behalf of the EC.
  • Facilitation of the training and continual professional development of national experts through workshops, annual NRL conferences, guidance notes and ad hoc consultancy etc.

All formal requests for advice or assistance from the CRL should be made through the relevant NRL in the first instance.

The VLA is also one of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) designated reference laboratories for TSE. As an OIE laboratory, VLA is required to:
  • provide diagnostic and epidemiological expertise, consultancy and training;
  • store and provide relevant reference materials;
  • co-ordinate collaborative scientific and technical studies.
Further information on OIE reference laboratories is available on the OIE website: