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External quality assessment in resource-limited countries.

Jane Y Carter1

  • 1Amref Health Africa Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya.

Biochemia Medica
|April 11, 2017
PubMed
Summary

External Quality Assessment (EQA) is crucial for improving laboratory performance in resource-limited settings. Ensuring accredited proficiency testing (PT) providers and competent EQA personnel is vital for quality laboratory services.

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Area of Science:

  • Clinical diagnostics
  • Laboratory management
  • Public health systems

Background:

  • Health laboratory services are essential but face challenges in resource-limited (RL) settings.
  • Increased funding for health systems strengthening in RL countries drives demand for diagnostics.
  • The Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme aims to sustainably strengthen national laboratory systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review studies on laboratory External Quality Assessment (EQA) and quality monitoring in RL countries.
  • To identify current practices, challenges, and opportunities in EQA for laboratory services in RL settings.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies.
Keywords:
laboratoryproficiency testingquality assuranceresource-limited countries

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  • Unpublished reports were also gathered from national laboratory authorities and personnel.

    • Main Results:

    • Proficiency testing (PT) schemes in RL countries are offered by various providers, including national programs, commercial companies, and institutions in developed countries.
    • Rechecking schemes primarily focus on tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with integrated programs being piloted.
    • Key constraints identified include sample transportation, result communication, referee staff proficiency, and limited resources for corrective actions.

    Conclusions:

    • EQA is vital for monitoring laboratory performance and ensuring service quality.
    • EQA helps identify appropriate technologies, performance gaps, and training needs.
    • Accreditation of PT providers and ensuring the competency of EQA personnel are essential for effective EQA.