Reference laboratory networking: the European experience in brucellosis

Over the past forty years, a huge effort of standardisation of tests and harmonisation of sanitary policies and requirements has been made in the European Union (EU). The EU has itself greatly evolved in its size and policies. Voluntary uncoordinated actions initially had some success but not enough to attain a level of standardisation compatible with a single market and to achieve the sanitary level foreseen by the community. The creation of a Community Reference laboratory with specific responsibilities and tasks and the provision of adequate financial assistance is expected to lead to better co-ordination of activities and to ensure international harmonisation of tests and procedures.