Random Blinded ReChecking [RBRC] Concept

Random Blinded Rechecking (RBRC) is an External Quality Assurance (EQA) method that provides reliable assurance that a district has an efficient Acid-fast Bacillus (AFB) microscopy laboratory network to support National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) (Figure).

Blinded rechecking is a process of re-reading a statistically valid sample of slides from a laboratory to assess whether that laboratory has an acceptable level of performance.

Figure: Overview of Random Blinded Rechecking (RBRC) under NTEP;
Source: RNTCP Laboratory Network Guidelines

Key Components of RBRC

• The sample contains a sufficient number of randomly selected slides to be representative.
• A system utilizing Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) method is in use for RBRC.
• The supervisor of the laboratory (controller) must be unaware of the original result of peripheral laboratory technician to prevent bias, i.e. is “blinded”.
• Discrepant results are resolved by a second controller.
• There must be a system to provide timely feedback and improvements to the laboratories that are supervised.

Resources

RNTCP Laboratory Network Guidelines.

Assessment