To understand quality on immunological diagnostic reagents of schistosomiasis in China and provide evidence for the selection of population screening tools, the parasitic diseases team under the disease control board led by the National Health and Family Planning Committee, the assessment on schistosomiasis immunological diagnostic reagents was organized by the National Institute of Parasitic Disease (NIPD) from 23 to 24, October 2014 in Shanghai.

The assessment was attended by 50 participants, namely, Dr Zhou Xiaonong, Director of NIPD, Dr Li Shizhu, Deputy director of NIPD, Professor Wu Zhongdao from Zhongshan University, Professor Wang Shiping from Central South University, Researcher Xin Xiaofang from National Institution of Chemical Products and Biological Products, and experts from provincial reference laboratories, medical colleges, scientific research organizations and 9 relevant companies.

Opening ceremony was presided over by Dr Li Shizhu. Dr Zhou Xiaonong introduced the current situation and development of schistosomiasis immunological diagnostic reagents in China. Professor Wu Zhongdao on behalf of the review panel, explained the indicators of this assessment, and he also assured that the review panel would supervise the whole process of the assessment to ensure justice and reliability.

According to the arrangements for the meeting, 9 technicians from relevant companies made brief introductions of their products, and demonstrated the operation of tool kit to the third party which was in charge of testing. The formal assessment was conducted by from testers the assessment team of the third party through draw lot. Each tester used single blind method to test blood samples provided by NIPD. Data were input into database by both the tester and staff from NIPD. Results were analyzed by NIPD staff and submitted to the review board. The review board was in charge of reviewing and ranking the candidate reagents. Finally, Dr Li Shizhu, declared the final results signed by all the review experts.

The assessment provided a national platform for diagnosis reagent manufacturers and technical experts to exchange information on domestic schistosomiasis diagnosis reagents. It helped evaluate the current diagnosis reagents in a systematic and objective way. At the same time, the expert group for schistosomiasis diagnosis reagent gave relevant suggestions which would further improve the prevention and control of immunological diagnostic reagents research and development, and clinical applications.