Labaqua has recently obtained ENAC's accreditation for detecting and quantifying SARS-CoV-2 using real-time PCR techniques, so becoming the first accredited laboratory in Spain for detecting the virus that generates COVID-19 disease in wastewater.

Specifically, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater is one of the methods that has been used since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, as part of the early detection surveillance system and epidemiological indicator for detecting its circulation in the population. This detection is mainly performed in sewage samples and sewage stations, enabling us to detect and know how the virus' concentration evolves over time, so that the chain of contagions and its consequences can be anticipated.

With this accreditation, the laboratory has been able to demonstrate, before an independent third body, its ability to detect and quantify the presence of the virus in wastewater. This is an effective epidemiological tool enabling its presence to be identified early. For more information, please contact Belén Villamiel, of ENAC's Environment Department.

 

Accredited laboratory guarantees

ENAC’s accreditation is a fundamental tool for laboratories to demonstrate, among other things, that they employ technically valid and controlled methods, that they carry out their tests correctly and have the necessary material and human resources, and of course that the tests are subject to strict internal and external controls to ensure the validity of their results.

In this way, after having successfully passed a rigorous, transparent and internationally accepted assessment process, accredited laboratories demonstrate their competence and ensure confidence that they have the resources, experience and competence to carry out the tests with the utmost reliability.