Strengthening Quality of Tuberculosis Laboratories Toward Accreditation in Viet Nam: Implementation and Impact of the TB SLMTA Program

Objectives: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a priority for Viet Nam's National TB Control Programme. In many laboratories, quality systems are weak; few have attained accreditation. We implemented a structured training and mentoring program for TB lab...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of clinical pathology 2019-12, Vol.152 (6), p.808-817
Main Authors: Gumma, Vidyanidhi, Bennett, Davara Lee, Phong, Lan Nguyen Thi, Ngoc, Cuong Duong, Bond, Kyle B, Hoang, Yen Nguyen Thi, Erni, Donatelle, Nguyen Van, Nhung, Nguyen Van, Hung, Albert, Heidi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accreditation
Check lists
Control
Diagnosis
Laboratories
Licensing, certification and accreditation
Medical laboratories
Medical technologists
Multidrug resistance
Quality
Quality management
Training
Tuberculosis
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Summary:Objectives: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a priority for Viet Nam's National TB Control Programme. In many laboratories, quality systems are weak; few have attained accreditation. We implemented a structured training and mentoring program for TB laboratories and measured impact on quality. Methods: Six TB culture laboratories implemented the Strengthening TB Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (TB SLMTA) program, consisting of three training workshops and on-site mentoring between workshops to support improvement projects. Periodic audits, using standardized checklists, monitored laboratories' progress toward accreditation readiness. Results: At baseline, all six laboratories achieved a zero-star level. At exit, five laboratories attained three stars and another one star. Overall checklist scores increased by 44.2% on average, from 29.8% to 74.0%; improvements occurred across all quality system essentials. Conclusions: The program led to improved quality systems. Sites should be monitored to ensure sustainability of improvements and country capacity expanded for national scaleup. Key Words: Tuberculosis; Quality management systems; Accreditation; Diagnostics; Laboratory strengthening
ISSN:0002-9173
1943-7722
DOI:10.1093/AJCP/AQZ104