ECDC hosted the launch of the European Reference Laboratory Network for Tuberculosis (ERLN-TB) on 25 January 2010 at its first annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden. Reference laboratories representatives from EU/EEA Member States and candidate countries will engage in an unprecedented initiative in the field of tuberculosis control in the EU. Recognising laboratory function as one of the pillars of optimal tuberculosis control, the network will aim at strengthening the diagnosis of the disease at EU level, in line with the objectives of the Framework action plan to fight tuberculosis in the European Union. Under ECDC coordination, the ERLN-TB will pursue concerted action in capacity building, quality assurance, scientific advice and support.

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The added value of a European Union tuberculosis reference laboratory network (Eurosurveillance, Volume 13, Issue 12, 18 March 2008)

ECDC tuberculosis programme: Main activities and coordination of laboratory network and projects