EMQN
EMQN is a UK Community Interest Company providing External Quality Assessment schemes, reference materials, peer assessment, and best-practice guidance for hospital, private, academic, and point-of-care laboratories performing molecular pathology and genomic testing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersManchester, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What EMQN does
EMQN CIC is a UK Community Interest Company serving the human molecular pathology and genomics testing market. It provides External Quality Assessment schemes, also referred to as proficiency tests, for hospital laboratories, private testing companies, point-of-care testing sites, academic medical centers, and other laboratories that need objective evidence of testing quality for accreditation, quality assurance, and clinical reporting reliability. Its portfolio spans more than 50 EQA schemes across genomic and inherited disorders, molecular pathology, NGS and Sanger sequencing, non-invasive prenatal testing, pharmacogenetics, pre-analytical processes, individual competence assessment, and point-of-care genetic testing.
The company's core product is an EQA process that tests the analytical workflow from sample through testing, interpretation, and final report. Technical components include patient-like cell-based swabs, Microbix-produced Quality Assessment Products formatted onto Copan FLOQSwabs, tumor profiling validation services for FFPE cancer tissues and cfDNA, and an in-development CRISPR-Cas9 engineered CYP2C19 cell-line reference material program with the University of Manchester. EMQN also relies on an expert peer assessor network, with at least two assessors per EQA, and publishes best-practice guidelines and educational content.
EMQN monetizes primarily through EQA scheme participation fees, while membership has been free since 2022. The model also includes sponsored schemes funded partly or fully by third parties such as pharmaceutical companies, replacement and extra sample charges, and device verification sample sales. Go-to-market is mainly direct and account-based through the eqa.emqn.org portal, supplemented by regional distributors and agents for markets including Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, China, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Turkey, and EU-based logistics support.
EMQN firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EMQN
- Legal name
- EMQN CIC
- Website
- https://emqn.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- EMQN is a UK Community Interest Company providing External Quality Assessment schemes, reference materials, peer assessment, and best-practice guidance for hospital, private, academic, and point-of-care laboratories performing molecular pathology and genomic testing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EMQN industry classification
Industry- Product category
- External Quality Assessment Services
- NAICS
- Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (62151), Medical Laboratories (621511), Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)
- SIC
- Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Platforms (HLACAOAA), Home-Use & OTC Rapid Self-Tests (Consumer POCT kits) (HLAHAOAK)
Keywords
Where EMQN is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Manchester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
EMQN business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- EQA Scheme Participation Fees: Laboratories pay subscription/membership fees and scheme participation fees to access EQA schemes. Membership has been free since 2022, but scheme registration fees apply. Invoicing occurs annually in April after registration closes, with 30-day payment terms.
- Sponsored EQA Schemes: Third-party organizations (e.g., pharmaceutical companies like MSD, AstraZeneca) sponsor some EQA schemes, covering part or all participation fees. Fully sponsored schemes show £0 fee; partially sponsored schemes show subsidized rates. Common for HRD, cfDNA, and other specialized schemes.
- Replacement and Extra Sample Fees: Additional charges for replacement samples due to technical errors or sample mix-ups, and extra materials for technologies requiring larger DNA volumes. Fees range from £70-£535 depending on scheme type and quantity.
- Device Verification Samples: Sale of device verification samples (DVS) to support POCT device implementation and verification, such as MT-RNR1 and CYP2C19 DVS packages.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | MT-RNR1 POCT EQA Scheme annual subscription |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Replacement sample fees by scheme type |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Extra material fees for additional DNA volumes |
| Subscription | Annual | Fully sponsored schemes |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Evolving economies discount program |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
EMQN product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EMQN provides External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes, also referred to as proficiency tests (PT), for human molecular pathology and genomics testing laboratories. Each scheme assesses the complete analytical process from sample through testing and interpretation to final report, evaluated by at least two expert peer assessors. The portfolio includes over 50 EQA schemes covering genomic inherited disorders, molecular pathology, sequencing (NGS and Sanger), non-invasive prenatal testing, pharmacogenetics, individual competence assessment, pre-analytical processes, and point-of-care testing (POCT), supplemented by best practice guidelines, managed POCT services, and educational resources.
Product overview
EMQN (European Molecular Genetics Quality Network) provides a comprehensive portfolio of External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes for human molecular pathology and genomics testing. The core offering consists of over 50 accredited EQA schemes including Genomic & Inherited Disorders, Molecular Pathology, Sequencing (NGS and Sanger), Non-invasive Prenatal Testing, Pharmacogenetics, Individual Competence Assessment, Pre-analytical processes, and Point-of-Care Testing. The portfolio includes specialized POCT schemes for MT-RNR1 and CYP2C19 testing with device verification packages and managed services. Additional offerings include pilot schemes (HRD, Pan-Fusion), interlaboratory comparison programmes, educational webinars, and best practice guidelines. EMQN's schemes are designed to assess the complete analytical process from sample through testing and interpretation, with expert peer assessors evaluating laboratory performance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Genomic & Inherited Disorders EQA Scheme External Quality Assessment scheme for genetic testing and reporting of genomic and inherited disorders; assesses the full analytical process from sample through testing and interpretation to final report.
- Molecular Pathology EQA Scheme External Quality Assessment scheme covering molecular pathology testing; evaluates laboratory performance in analysing samples and interpreting results against mock clinical referral information.
- Sequencing (NGS and Sanger) EQA Scheme Technical EQA scheme for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing methodologies, assessing laboratory accuracy and performance.
- Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) EQA Scheme External Quality Assessment scheme for non-invasive prenatal testing, evaluating laboratory capability in prenatal genetic analysis.
- Pharmacogenetics EQA Scheme External Quality Assessment scheme for pharmacogenetic testing, supporting accurate identification of genetic variants affecting drug metabolism.
- Individual Competence Assessment Scheme assessing individual competence of laboratory professionals in molecular diagnostics testing and interpretation.
- Pre-analytical EQA Scheme External Quality Assessment scheme for pre-analytical processes, evaluating sample handling and preparation procedures.
- MT-RNR1 Point-of-Care Testing EQA Scheme
Quantifiable outcome
- One in 500 persons carry the MT-RNR1 m.1555A>G variant that can lead to hearing loss upon aminoglycoside antibiotic exposure
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use EMQN
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
EMQN technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
EMQN partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core, minor and supporting.
- University of ManchesterstrategicCADDA Knowledge Transfer Vouchers-funded collaboration for 'Engineered CYP2C19 Cell Lines for Point-of-Care Test Quality Assessment'. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to develop high-quality reference materials containing clinically important CYP2C19 variants for pharmacogenomic POCT validation.
- Microbix Biosystems Inc. (Second Program)coreSecond genetic-test EQA program collaboration for CYP2C19 POCT testing. Microbix QAPs support proficiency testing for sites detecting CYP2C19 variants affecting Clopidogrel metabolism. Participants receive three samples every two months (18 per year).
- Microbix Biosystems Inc.coreMicrobix produces Quality Assessment Products (QAPs) formatted onto Copan FLOQSwabs for EMQN's genetic testing EQA programs, specifically MT-RNR1 POCT scheme. QAPs enable proficiency testing for acute care genetic testing. Sean Sales (EMQN Operations Director) and Cameron Groome (Microbix CEO) jointly announced the partnership.
- Informed GenomicscoreInformed Genomics provides tumor profiling services to EMQN, including variant detection validations in FFPE cancer tissues and cfDNA analysis. This supports EMQN's quality assurance activities and assessment of clinical laboratories. Simon Patton (EMQN CEO) cited high standards alignment.
- Ridacom LtdcoreRidacom is EMQN's trusted regional distributor for Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Provides full access to EMQN's genomics EQA schemes with local language support, regionally tailored marketing, and first-line technical support. Joint webinars, seminars, and tradeshows planned.
- University of OxfordstrategicEMQN contributed educational materials including a 20-minute lecture on EQA in Molecular Pathology, summary documents, academic paper lists, and multiple-choice questions to Oxford's MSc in Precision Medicine program (2025/2026). Invited by Helene Dreau, Principal Clinical Scientist.
- ERN GENTURISminorEuropean Reference Network for rare genetic tumour risk syndromes endorsed EMQN's best practice guidelines for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). HBOC experts and MD patient representative reviewed guidelines and recommended them for ERN GENTURIS use.
- CopansupportingCopan supplies FLOQSwabs used in EMQN's QAP programs with Microbix for genetic testing EQA schemes (MT-RNR1, CYP2C19 POCT). Samples formatted onto FLOQSwabs enable participant processing similar to patient cheek/buccal swabs.
- Pharmaceutical Sponsors (MSD, AstraZeneca, others)coreMajor pharmaceutical companies sponsor specific EQA schemes. MSD sponsors HRD pilot scheme. AstraZeneca sponsors cfDNA extraction EQA (2025). Sponsorship covers part or full scheme fees for participating laboratories.
- Other EQA Providers (GenQA, RfB, RCPAQAP, CSCQ, CF Network)supportingEMQN collaborates with other EQA providers for certain schemes. Participant confidentiality is maintained during these collaborations. Information shared with RCPAQAP for Australasian labs, CSCQ for Swiss labs, NQAAP for UK labs.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
EMQN competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- GenQA: GenQA is a UK-based EQA provider for genetics and genomics testing, offering proficiency testing schemes that directly overlap with EMQN's core molecular genetics and molecular pathology portfolio. EMQN's own data lists GenQA as a collaborating peer EQA provider.
- UK NEQAS: UK NEQAS is one of the largest external quality assessment scheme providers globally, with molecular and genetics EQA offerings that compete with EMQN's scheme catalogue for hospital laboratory customers, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth markets.
- RCPAQAP: Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs provides EQA schemes across molecular genetics and pathology, explicitly named by EMQN as a collaborator for Australasian laboratories. Overlapping scheme portfolio makes it a direct peer in Asia-Pacific.
- Labquality: Labquality is a Finnish EQA scheme provider accredited to ISO 17043 with a broad molecular and clinical genetics portfolio, comparable in accreditation positioning and customer base to EMQN across European laboratories.
- INSTAND e.V. INSTAND is a German non-profit EQA provider offering molecular genetics and pathology proficiency testing schemes under ISO 17043 accreditation, directly competing with EMQN for European laboratory customers.
- CSCQ: Swiss Centre for Quality Control is a Switzerland-based EQA scheme provider named by EMQN as a collaborator for Swiss laboratories, with overlapping molecular and genetic testing EQA offerings.
Broad incumbents
- College of American Pathologists (CAP): CAP operates large-scale molecular pathology and genetics proficiency testing programmes globally. It is a broader incumbent whose portfolio includes but is not specialised to the genomic inherited disorders niche where EMQN focuses.
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad provides quality controls, reference materials, and EQA-adjacent laboratory quality products to molecular diagnostics labs. While not a pure EQA scheme provider, it competes for laboratory quality budgets in the same space EMQN serves.
Others
- Microbix Biosystems: Microbix manufactures Quality Assessment Products used in EQA programmes and is a strategic supplier partner to EMQN for MT-RNR1 and CYP2C19 POCT schemes. It is an adjacent enabling partner in the EQA value chain rather than a direct competitor.
- SensID: SensID is a reference material manufacturer whose cfDNA standards are used in EMQN's cfDNA extraction EQA sponsored by AstraZeneca. It is an ecosystem supplier enabling EMQN scheme content rather than a competing EQA provider.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights3 records
Customer concentration
EMQN social profiles
Digital presenceEMQN compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
EMQN financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EMQN leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
EMQN funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EMQN M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EMQN
What does EMQN do?
EMQN provides External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes, also referred to as proficiency tests (PT), for human molecular pathology and genomics testing laboratories. Each scheme assesses the complete analytical process from sample through testing and interpretation to final report, evaluated by at least two expert peer assessors. The portfolio includes over 50 EQA schemes covering genomic inherited disorders, molecular pathology, sequencing (NGS and Sanger), non-invasive prenatal testing, pharmacogenetics, individual competence assessment, pre-analytical processes, and point-of-care testing (POCT), supplemented by best practice guidelines, managed POCT services, and educational resources.
Is EMQN a public or private company?
EMQN is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was EMQN founded?
EMQN was founded in 1997. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is EMQN based?
EMQN is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does EMQN make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. EQA Scheme Participation Fees are the primary driver. The others are sponsored EQA Schemes, replacement and Extra Sample Fees and device Verification Samples.
Who are EMQN's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are GenQA, UK NEQAS, RCPAQAP, Labquality, INSTAND e.V. and CSCQ. Broad incumbents are College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Bio-Rad Laboratories. Others are Microbix Biosystems and SensID.
Does EMQN have an API?
No public API is recorded for EMQN.
What industry is EMQN in?
EMQN's product category is External Quality Assessment Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAAALAD, Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics), with a secondary code of HLACAOAA, Electronic Data Capture (EDC) Platforms. Its NAICS code is 62151 and its SIC code is 8071.