Salford, United Kingdom, and Bonn, Germany — 11 November 2026
EMQN CIC and RfB (Referenzinstitut für Bioanalytik) have signed a new cooperation agreement, reaffirming their long-standing collaboration in delivering high-quality external quality assessment (EQA) services for genomics laboratories in Germany.
The new framework provides a stable basis for continued collaboration and supports compliance with German regulatory requirements for molecular genetic proficiency testing. It reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to quality, consistency and patient safety in molecular diagnostics.
Supporting Laboratories Across Germany
German laboratories will continue to benefit from access to high-quality molecular genetics EQA schemes provided through the collaboration between EMQN and RfB. These services are aligned with the requirements of the German healthcare system and the relevant Rili-BÄK framework.
The partnership builds on a successful fifteen-year history of collaboration between the two organisations.
Shared Commitment to Quality
The cooperation brings together the complementary strengths of both organisations. RfB contributes its long-standing expertise in external quality assurance and proficiency testing within the German laboratory medicine landscape, as well as its close understanding of national regulatory requirements. EMQN adds extensive international expertise in molecular diagnostics and genomic proficiency testing. Together, both organisations are well positioned to support laboratories with high-quality EQA services that meet scientific, clinical, and regulatory expectations.
Simon Patton, Chief Executive Officer of EMQN, said:
“We are delighted to confirm this new four-year cooperation agreement with RfB. Germany remains one of the most important molecular diagnostics markets in Europe, and this agreement provides long-term certainty for laboratories participating in our EQA programmes. By combining EMQN’s international expertise in molecular quality assessment with RfB’s well-established position within Germany, we can continue to support laboratories in delivering accurate, reliable and clinically meaningful genetic testing for patients.”
Dr. Anja Keßler, Director of the RfB, said:
“The continuation of our cooperation with EMQN reflects our shared commitment to advancing quality assurance in molecular diagnostics. For RfB, this agreement is an important step in further broadening our proficiency testing portfolio and supporting laboratories with comprehensive, reliable and practice-oriented EQA services. In line with the requirements of the Rili-BÄK, we aim to create added value for laboratory medicine and contribute to the continued quality and safety of patient diagnostics.”
Looking Ahead
The new agreement provides a stable basis for continued collaboration until 2029, enabling both organisations to respond to developments in genomic medicine, broaden access to quality assessment services and support laboratories as new technologies and clinical applications emerge.
As molecular testing becomes increasingly central to precision medicine, inherited disease diagnostics, oncology and rare disease testing, EMQN and RfB remain committed to helping laboratories maintain the highest standards of analytical and clinical performance.
About EMQN
EMQN CIC is a science-led company that exists to strengthen global trust in genomic and laboratory testing, ensuring every patient receives results they can rely on. For laboratories committed to delivering accurate, high-quality diagnostics, EMQN provides independent performance evaluation, global benchmarking, and expert guidance that drives continuous improvement. By combining rigorous UKAS-accredited External Quality Assessment (EQA) with internationally recognised expertise and collaborative learning, EMQN empowers laboratories to raise standards, reduce errors, and deliver better outcomes for patients.
About RfB
RfB the Referenzinstitut für Bioanalytik of the Stiftung für Pathobiochemie und Molekulare Diagnostik (SPMD), is one of Germany’s leading providers of proficiency testing and external quality assurance services in laboratory medicine. SPMD is the foundation under which RfB operates as its reference institute for bioanalytics and laboratory quality assurance. With a broad portfolio across many diagnostic disciplines, RfB supports medical laboratories in meeting regulatory requirements, improving analytical quality and ensuring reliable patient diagnostics. RfB operates within a robust accreditation framework, including DAkkS accreditation as a proficiency testing provider according to ISO/IEC 17043 with a flexible scope, complemented by SAAC accreditation covering more than 60 additional proficiency testing schemes. Building on this foundation, RfB continuously develops reliable, practice-oriented proficiency testing solutions that support sustainable quality improvement in laboratory medicine.
Media Contacts
| EMQN CIC Third Floor, ICE Building 3 Exchange Quay Salford M5 3ED, United Kingdom www.emqn.org |
RfB / SPMD Friesdorfer Str. 153 53175 Bonn, Germany www.rfb.bio |
