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JRC evaluates new tests for BSE

Scientists at the Joint Research Centre's Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) and the European Commission's Health and Consumer Protection DG are evaluating five new tests for BSE and other transmissable spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and a sixth test...

Scientists at the Joint Research Centre's Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) and the European Commission's Health and Consumer Protection DG are evaluating five new tests for BSE and other transmissable spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and a sixth test to identify the differences between BSE and scrapie. Fieldwork has already begun at the IRMM, which was previously involved in approving the three BSE tests currently in use. Work should be completed in late spring 2001 for the five tests for BSE, but the evaluation of tests that might distinguish between BSE and scrapie will take longer and be more complex. 'The IRMM is also preparing reference standards and will perform a ring trial of all laboratories in the EU using rapid tests for BSE,' reports the JRC. 'This is designed to evaluate the technical performance of the various laboratories carrying out surveillance tests in line with EU legislation. It will be carried out in late spring 2001 when the testing programme is underway in all Member States.'