External quality assessment in resource–limited countries

Health laboratory services are essential to national health systems but face significant challenges in resource-limited settings. The Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme and External Quality Assessment (EQA)—including proficiency testing, sample rechecking, and on-site evaluations—are key to improving quality. While PT schemes exist, many are disease-specific and face logistical and resource constraints. Regional and integrated approaches are emerging, but issues like sample transport, result communication, and staff proficiency remain. Ensuring accredited PT providers and competent EQA personnel is critical for sustaining quality and guiding targeted training and technology use.

Authors: Jane Y Carter Special issue: External Quality Assessment in Laboratory Medicine Original papers External quality assessment in resource–limited countries Biochemia Medica 2017; 27(1):97–109

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