Diagnosis and disease control

KIT Biomedical Research develops and support activities that aim at strengthening diagnostic laboratories. Next to development of diagnostic tests, KIT Biomedical Research also provides assistance, using a participatory approach in the form of workshops, monitoring and assessment visits to improve the implementation of the diagnostic tests in practical settings.

Approach

KIT Biomedical Research develops and support activities that aim at strengthening diagnostic laboratories. Next to development of diagnostic tests, KIT Biomedical Research also provides assistance, using a participatory approach in the form of workshops, monitoring and assessment visits to improve the implementation of the diagnostic tests in practical settings.

Focal points

  • Laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis, leishmania and leptospirosis
  • Laboratory assessments
  • Development of tender for laboratory equipment and supplies
  • Planning and implementation of TB laboratory networks
  • Laboratory management
  • Laboratory information systems
  • Quality assurance systems
  • Development and implementation of tailor-made training and workshops
  • Participation in Stop TB laboratory working groups

Example

Strengthening of TB Laboratory Diagnostic Services
KIT/BR was involved in the strengthening and upgrading of the TB laboratory network in Kyiv city which aims at providing quality assured bacteriological services for the Kyiv TB Control program. The activities included:

  1. Planning of laboratory network and procurement of equipment and supplies
  2. Implementation of Recording and Reporting system adapted from the WHO recommended system
  3. Planning of Quality Assurance System
  4. Development of training program for laboratory personnel

Similar activities were carried out to strengthen the TB diagnostic services in the penitentiary system in St. Petersburg and Pskov, Russia

Workshop for laboratory managers in Cairo, Egypt
KIT/BR facilitated a workshop organized by the national TB Reference TB laboratory in Cairo for laboratory managers to prepare the TB laboratory network in Egypt for implementation of an external quality assurance system (EQA) for Direct Smear Microscopy (DSM) and Culture as an important step to improve quality of performance in the laboratory network.
The course included the topics of:

  1. Introduction to quality assurance and its requirements
  2. Identification of requirements for implementation of internal quality assurance activities
  3. Role of Laboratory Information in QA Programs and calculation sample size in LQA Scheme
  4. Design and implementation of external quality assurance systems
  5. Preparation of action plan

The workshop identified several obstacles for the implementation of the envisaged EQA system. Solutions were discussed and incorporated in an action plan. The course contributed to motivation and commitment of the laboratory managers.

Projects


Team members


Contact

For further information please contact Dr. Stella van Beers or Dr. Paul Klatser.

Tags

diagnostics | health systems |


Royal Tropical Institute