Network of lab vials symbolizing variable sensitivity in Zika virus detection.

Is Your Zika Virus Test Reliable? Why Quality Assessments Matter

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals the variable sensitivity in European labs testing for Zika, highlighting the urgent need for better quality control measures."

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections remain a significant global health concern, demanding high levels of preparedness and precise diagnostic tools. The ability to accurately detect ZIKV is crucial not only for managing individual patient care but also for implementing effective public health strategies to contain potential outbreaks.

In 2016, a collaborative effort was launched among European expert laboratories to assess and enhance their capability in ZIKV molecular testing. This initiative, known as the External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme, aimed to identify areas of strength and weakness in ZIKV detection methods across different laboratories.

The study provided a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of various European laboratories, revealing critical insights into the consistency and reliability of ZIKV testing. This article delves into the findings of this assessment, discussing the challenges identified and the necessary steps to improve the accuracy of ZIKV diagnostics.

Understanding the Scope of the Zika Virus Testing Assessment

Network of lab vials symbolizing variable sensitivity in Zika virus detection.

The EQA scheme involved providing 50 participating laboratories with a panel of 12 samples. These samples included negative controls and samples containing different lineages of ZIKV—African and Asian—at varying concentrations (10³ to 106 copies/ml). The panel also contained samples with other viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, to test the specificity of the ZIKV detection methods.

The laboratories' results were analyzed based on sample outcomes and the extraction/detection methods used. A core sample was defined as one in which more than 50% of the laboratories correctly identified the ZIKV RNA status. This benchmark helped determine the baseline performance level expected from expert laboratories.

Here's a breakdown of the key components of the assessment:

Panel Composition: Included ZIKV RNA-positive and RNA-negative samples.
ZIKV Lineages: Featured both African and Asian lineages at varying concentrations.
Specificity Testing: Incorporated other arboviruses like chikungunya and dengue.
Sample Preparation: Samples prepared from human plasma or urine.
Inactivation: Virus inactivated via heat treatment.

The performance data collected from the laboratories offered insights into the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the molecular detection methods, helping to gauge the influence of different extraction and detection techniques. The findings highlighted the variability in test sensitivity and areas needing improvement.

The Path Forward: Enhancing ZIKV Detection

The findings underscore the need for ongoing efforts to standardize and improve ZIKV detection methods, ensuring that laboratories are well-equipped to provide accurate and reliable results. The ultimate goal is to safeguard public health by minimizing the risk of false negatives and improving overall diagnostic accuracy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1128/jcm.00987-17, Alternate LINK

Title: Variable Sensitivity In Molecular Detection Of Zika Virus In European Expert Laboratories: External Quality Assessment, November 2016

Subject: Microbiology (medical)

Journal: Journal of Clinical Microbiology

Publisher: American Society for Microbiology

Authors: Remi Charrel, Ramona Mögling, Suzan Pas, Anna Papa, Cecile Baronti, Marion Koopmans, Hervé Zeller, Isabelle Leparc-Goffart, Chantal B. Reusken

Published: 2017-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the purpose of the External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme?

The External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme is a collaborative initiative involving European expert laboratories. Its primary goal is to evaluate and enhance their capability in molecular testing for the Zika virus (ZIKV). This involves assessing the accuracy and reliability of different ZIKV detection methods used across various laboratories. The EQA scheme provides a structured approach to identify strengths and weaknesses in diagnostic processes, ultimately aiming to improve public health preparedness and response to potential outbreaks.

Why is the accurate detection of the Zika virus (ZIKV) so important?

The accuracy of detecting the Zika virus (ZIKV) is critical for two main reasons. First, it's essential for effective patient care, allowing for timely diagnosis and appropriate medical management. Second, accurate detection is crucial for implementing public health strategies to control and prevent outbreaks. Precise diagnostic tools enable health officials to monitor the spread of ZIKV, identify areas at risk, and implement targeted interventions to protect the population.

What key insights were revealed through the Zika virus testing assessment?

The study provided a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of various European laboratories, revealing critical insights into the consistency and reliability of ZIKV testing. The External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme's main components were a panel including ZIKV RNA-positive and RNA-negative samples, samples with African and Asian lineages at varying concentrations, specificity testing with other arboviruses like chikungunya and dengue, samples prepared from human plasma or urine, and virus inactivation via heat treatment.

How were the samples structured in the Zika virus testing assessment?

The External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme used a panel of 12 samples, including negative controls and samples with different lineages of Zika virus (ZIKV), both African and Asian, at varying concentrations (10³ to 106 copies/ml). These samples also included other viruses like dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, to test the specificity of ZIKV detection methods. The laboratories' results were analyzed based on sample outcomes and the extraction/detection methods used. A core sample was defined as one in which more than 50% of the laboratories correctly identified the ZIKV RNA status.

What are the key implications of the study's findings regarding Zika virus (ZIKV) detection?

The implications of the findings are significant because they underscore the need for ongoing efforts to standardize and improve Zika virus (ZIKV) detection methods. By ensuring laboratories provide accurate and reliable results, the risk of false negatives is minimized. This leads to enhanced public health preparedness and a more effective response to potential outbreaks. Improving diagnostic accuracy is vital for safeguarding public health and making informed decisions in managing the ZIKV threat.