Implementing a regional integrated laboratory proficiency testing scheme for peripheral health facilities in East Africa

The East African Regional External Quality Assessment Scheme (EA-REQAS), launched in 2004, provides proficiency testing (PT) to support laboratory quality in resource-limited settings. Between 2008 and 2015, 16 surveys were conducted, with facility enrollment rising from 195 to 560. Although average response rates remained steady, performance scores improved from 51% to 68%, and the number of facilities scoring 80% or higher increased from none to 25. Facilities with more frequent participation performed better, highlighting PT’s value in identifying gaps, supporting post-market surveillance, and guiding improvements in peripheral laboratories.

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