Security Sensitive Biological Agent (SSBA) Proficiency Panel

The panel consists of 4-8 viable or non-viable bacterial SSBAs, specifically Bacillus anthracis, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, Brucella spp., Burkholderia pseudomallei, and their near-neighbour bacterial strains in a variety of commercially supplied or in house made matrices. Characterization of panel items is performed using applicable in-house and LRN protocols.

Determination of assigned value: The assigned value is determined through pre-testing using applicable in-house and LRN protocols.

Evaluation of performance: For non-viable DNA samples, participants must obtain PCR results identical to those obtained through pre-testing. For live samples, participants must be able to grow the organism, obtain identical PCR and confirmatory results (as determined through pre-testing), depending on laboratory capabilities. As laboratories will follow LRN protocols applicable to their lab, panels are marked based on the final results obtained, and considering the protocols used.

Report distribution: Individual participant reports will be provided to each participating laboratory within 15 calendar days from the day of receipt of the laboratory’s final results. A final, aggregate report will be distributed to all participants within four weeks from the date panel results were received from the final participant.

The purpose of the SSBA panel is to provide the member laboratories of the Canadian Laboratory Response Network (CLRN) and/or other partner laboratories with an annual proficiency panel consisting of live or non-viable security sensitive biological agents (SSBA) with the intent of biothreat agent screening and identification.

There is no cost to the participants.

The program is open to the member laboratories of the Canadian Laboratory Response Network (CLRN) for the purpose of biothreat agent screening and identification.

Participants are assigned alphanumeric codes which anonymizes their identity. All information supplied by a participant to the proficiency testing provider shall be treated as confidential. The proficiency panel will be run according to the specified procedures and without consultation with other laboratories.  Final reports will be shared with participants and shall not be distributed further without permission from the panel provider. The identity of the participants will not be disclosed; however, in exceptional circumstances where proficiency testing results are provided to a third party, all information will be anonymized before dissemination, and the participants will be notified in writing.

Submit your request to: nml.badd-eedmm.lnm@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Appeals process: Participants have the right to appeal the results of any proficiency test (PT) in which they are enrolled.

Any appeals received will be acknowledged, validated, and investigated, with the outcome communicated to the participant.

If any participant would like to appeal their results, they can email this request to nml.badd-eedmm.lnm@phac-aspc.gc.ca.