Stability of DTS panel
The stability of DTS samples at room temperature was performed based on weekly evaluation for 15 weeks (105 days, D105) using RBT, results are presented in Table 1. Additionally, on day 105 (D105) testing was performed using CFT, ELISA and FPA to evaluate and confirm the stability of DTS samples, these results are presented in Table 2. The 105 days period was chosen as sufficient time for EQA organizers to produce panels, validate them, send them out and have some time until closure of EQA (usually 8 to 10 weeks is required) in case of queries. Moreover, for the laboratory IQC, the longer the samples are stable, the better for the laboratory. As shown in tables 1 and 2, DTS panel has a minimum stability of 105 days for testing by RBT, CFT, ELISA and FPA. These data indicate that DTS could successfully be used both for brucellosis EQA panel production and for laboratory IQC material preparation.