The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated RIVM reference laboratory for COVID-19. A recognition of our wide-ranging and in-depth expertise on coronaviruses. This video anwers 4 questions about the WHO reference laboratory for COVID-19. Watch the video.

The Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance (IDS) is one of the five departments within the Centre for Infectious Disease Control of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). IDS is involved in laboratory surveillance, diagnostic testing, research and advice. As such, the centre plays an important role in the response to infectious diseases. IDS is an (inter)national reference laboratory for a number of pathogens. The centre also collaborates with other reference laboratories, both at home and abroad. 

The centre coordinates the control of infectious diseases, including effective prevention, close vigilance and quick response in the event of an outbreak, and contributes to reducing health problems related to infectious diseases.