External Quality Assurance for C&DST laboratories
External Quality Assurance (EQA) is a critical component of laboratory testing, as it ensures the accuracy and consistency of laboratory test processes throughout the examination of the specimen – from the point of collection to result reporting and database entry. The EQA of the C&DST laboratory under NTEP is through structured On-Site Evaluation (OSE), panel testing and retesting exercise.
Quality Improvement Activities in C&DST Laboratories
Post-examination QA Procedures in C&DST Laboratories
The examination procedure for Quality Assurance of TB and DST Laboratories includes:
1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Updated annually or more often as needed
Reviewed and initiated by staff annually
Obsolete procedures removed, labelled as “Obsolete”
2. Calibration/ Validation- Equipment
Biosafety cabinets
Safety centrifuges and autoclaves
Thermometers, pipettes and timers
The pre-Examination Procedure for Quality Assurance of TB and DST Laboratories includes the following aspects during post-analytical aspects:
1. Giving proper instructions to collect and transport good quality specimens:
Appropriate specimens
Collection, transportation procedures
2. Specimen monitoring requirements:
Documentation of specimen quality
Specimen rejection policy
Quality Control in Laboratory Arrangement and Administration
Laboratory Arrangement
Quality Assurance (QA) is important to ensure quality DST results from a Culture and DST laboratory.
Foremost, it is essential to develop a Quality Assurance Plan that is practical and meets the laboratory requirements. It is important to ensure that specific procedures are available for specific components of the plan.
Quality Control of DST is critical to ensure the test is functioning properly so that reliable results can be interpreted.
Steps in Quality Control in DST result interpretation include:
1. SIRE/ Second- line and PZA QC
2. Interpretation of results
Quality control of MGIT DST inoculum is essential for quality DST results. The different aspects of inoculum preparation include:
1. Using the right inoculum
2. Using pure cultures only
3. Using fresh cultures
4. Using slant < 14 days
Quality controls procedures are essential to generate quality DST results. Quality procedures are essential when using QC strains and reagents and preparing and using drugs for DST. These include: