Current Challenges and Needs of Clinical Laboratories in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Cross-Country Assessment

Since 2016, the Asia-Pacific Working Group (APWG) has supported the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine's (ADLM) Global Lab Quality Initiative (GLQI) by enhancing laboratory medicine education and training in developing countries. The group has delivered programs in 10 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. To better understand the regional landscape and country-specific needs, the APWG conducted a comprehensive needs assessment through an APWG survey and virtual interviews. The findings demonstrated the complexity of the Asia-Pacific region, while also revealing a common interest in enhancing laboratory quality. Common challenges identified include limited resources, financial constraints, outdated technology, and staff shortages. The needs assessment analysis will guide the APWG to carry out further programs to enhance laboratory quality education for laboratorians across diverse geographical regions.