Biosecurity

In 2008 the Australian Government established a two-tiered list of Security Sensitive Biological Agents (SSBA) as part of the SSBA Regulatory Scheme for the control of select agents and toxins. Funding was subsequently made available through the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to establish RCPAQAP Biosecurity, with the aim of providing a quality assurance and proficiency testing program (PTP) for Tier 1 and Tier 2 SSBA, other potential agents and communicable disease threats. The program now offers surveys free of charge to Australian public health laboratories and for a fee to Australian private pathology and approved overseas laboratories with a view to building and enhancing laboratory capacity and capability to detect, analyse, identify and report on these agents

Declaration
This module is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Information such as participation demographics, overall results and kit performance is shared with them only. The information provided is de-identified in such a way that no individual laboratory’s results will be disclosed.

Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website for current Security Sensitive Biological Agents Lists.

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Bacterial Specimen Module

What's new

For 2025: Francisella tularensis/Yersinia pestis.
Updates regarding the 2026 enrolment will be sent when it is available

 

Catalogue Number

22020102

Frequency (No of surveys/year)

2

Cases/samples per survey

Up to 4

Sample Type

Live and inactivated bacteria for microscopy, biochemical testing and NAT

Sample volume

1 mL

Schedule

August, October

Measurand/Test

Bacterial SSBA

Storage and Handling

Upon receipt, store samples at 2-8°C

Dangerous Goods (UN3373)

This survey material was packed in compliance with IATA PI.650 for Biological Substance Category B, UN 3373

Additional Comments

Available free of charge to Australian public health laboratories that require the capability to test for SSBA, other potential agents and communicable disease threats and to approved private laboratories and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

Biopreparedness Exercise – Bacterial

Available free of charge to Australian public health laboratories that require the capability to test for SSBA, other potential agents and communicable disease threats and to approved private laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

Due to regulatory requirements, this program can only be offered to Australian laboratories. However, overseas laboratories can express interest in the program, and the RCPAQAP will try to accommodate these requests if possible.

What's new

Bacillus anthracis

Catalogue Number

22030102

Frequency (No of surveys/year)

1

Cases/samples per survey

Up to 4

Sample Type

Environmental sample containing inactivated or attenuated bacterial SSBA or related organisms

Sample volume

1 mL

Schedule

June

Measurand/Test

Bacterial SSBA

Storage and Handling

Upon receipt, store samples at 2-8°C

Dangerous Goods (UN3373)

This survey material was packed in compliance with IATA PI.650 for Biological Substance Category B, UN 3373

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

Environmental Specimen Module

For 2026: Ricin & Abrin

Catalogue Number

22070102

Frequency (No of surveys/year)

2

Cases/samples per survey

Up to 4

Sample Type

Environmental sample containing inactivated toxin or attenuated bacteria for testing

Sample volume

1mL

Schedule

February, April

Measurand/Test

Ricin, Abrin

Storage and Handling

Upon receipt, store samples at 2-8°C

Dangerous Goods (UN3373)

This survey material was packed in compliance with IATA PI.650 for Biological Substance Category B, UN 3373

Additional Comments

Available free of charge to Australian public health laboratories that require the capability to test for SSBA, other potential agents and communicable disease threats and to approved private laboratories and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

Mycobacterial Specimen Program

Available to selected Australian public health laboratories and approved private laboratories that routinely perform testing on MTBC strains.

Due to regulatory requirements, this program can only be offered to Australian laboratories. However, overseas laboratories can express interest in the program, and the RCPAQAP will try to accommodate these requests if possible.

What's new

Mycobacterial isolates for phenotypic testing and whole genome sequencing (wet-lab and subsequent bioinformatics analysis of sequence data derived from the WGS wet-lab workflow)

Catalogue Number

22120102

Frequency (No of surveys/year)

1

Cases/samples per survey

Up to 6

Sample Type

Mycobacterial isolates (MTBC) for phenotypic testing (identification and drug susceptibility testing) and whole genome sequencing (WGS)

Sample volume

TBC

Schedule

August

Measurand/Test

Mycobacterial isolates (MTBC)

Storage and Handling

Upon receipt, store samples at 2-8°C

Dangerous Goods (UN3373)

This survey material was packed in compliance with IATA PI.620 for Infectious substance affecting humans, UN 2814

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Anthrax

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24010102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Botulism

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24060102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Brucellosis

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24140102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 25, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Ebola

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24020102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Exotic flaviviruses

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24130102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 25, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – History of Biowarfare/Bioterrorism

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24070102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Melioidosis

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

What's new

New for 2026

Catalogue Number

24150102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Plague

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24030102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Smallpox

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24040102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Toxins

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24050102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Tularemia

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24120102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

SSBA eLearning Module – Highly Pathogenic Influenza

SSBA eLearning is available to all public health laboratories within Australia and RCPA Microbiology Registrars free of charge, and to Australian Government Department of Health approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

This module provides general and technical training for laboratory staff. eLearning Modules generally take 60mins to complete and there is a questionnaire at the end. Please note that you will need speakers or preferably earphones to listen to the audio.

Catalogue Number

24110102

Schedule

Available all year

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

Viral Specimen Module

What's new

For 2025: Viral haemorrhagic fever viruses.
Updates regarding the 2026 enrolment will be sent when it is available

Catalogue Number

22040102

Frequency (No of surveys/year)

2

Cases/samples per survey

Up to 4

Sample Type

Inactivated virus for nucleic acid testing

Sample volume

0.5 mL

Schedule

July, September

Measurand/Test

Viral SSBA

Storage and Handling

Upon receipt, store samples at 2-8°C

Additional Comments

Available free of charge to Australian public health laboratories that require the capability to test for SSBA, other potential agents and communicable disease threats and to approved private laboratories and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

Whole Genome Sequencing – Viral

What's new

Updates regarding the 2026 enrolment will be sent when it is available

Catalogue Number

22100102

Frequency (No of surveys/year)

1

Cases/samples per survey

Up to 6

Sample Type

Total viral RNA from live virus for Whole Genome Sequencing

Sample volume

0.5mL

Schedule

March

Measurand/Test

WGS (wet and dry lab)

Storage and Handling

Upon receipt, store samples at 2-8°C

Additional Comments

Available free of charge to Australian public health laboratories and approved private and international laboratories for a fee that reflects the cost of the modules’ production.

Product details last updated on August 22, 2025

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