New resources support laboratory quality management
To help laboratories implement systems to manage quality control, WHO recently launched a suite of resources in several languages.
The “Laboratory quality management system: handbook” provides a comprehensive reference base. Available in English, French and Russian, it covers topics essential to quality management in a public health or clinical laboratory. Alongside it, the “Laboratory quality management system training toolkit” provides all the materials a trainer needs to develop and deliver training in quality management in a laboratory.
When a laboratory reaches the stage of implementing a quality management system, the “Laboratory quality stepwise implementation tool” contains vital information. The tool translates technical requirements into step-by-step activities, structured by an interactive roadmap. The publication also contains additional support materials such as document templates.
The “Laboratory assessment tool” describes the general process for assessing laboratories and provides two questionnaires to help assess national laboratory systems and individual laboratories. It is available in English, French, Russian and Spanish.
Lastly, the “Quality manual template”, available in English and Russian, provides guidance on writing policies and procedures to support a quality management system. It is aimed at public health and clinical laboratories.
