Assessing the performance of Genexpert Proficiency testing Panels at Kitagata Hospital Sheema District.

INTRODUTION

Proficiency Testing is a system for objectively checking the laboratory’s performance using an external agency or facility. External quality assessment (EQA)/ Proficiency Testing (PT) allows for comparison of a laboratory’s testing procedures to other laboratories across the world.
EQA/PT involves running blind patient like samples, comparing your results to peer results in order to retrospectively monitor the accuracy of reporting. EQA provides assurance to both staff and customers that testing taking place at your laboratory provides accurate and reliable results. The purpose of the study was to assess the performance of Genexpert Proficiency testing Panels at Kitagata Hospital Sheema District.

METHOD

A cross sectional study was designed to determine the performance of Genexpert Proficiency testing Panels. The Genexpert PT samples were analyzed in the laboratory by using the different modules of the Genexpert machine.

RESULTS

All the four rounds of the Genexpert Proficiency testing Panels scored satisfactory results of 95% from the feedback report that was given by Uganda National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory after reviewing the submitted results of the Genexpert Proficiency testing Panels.

CONCLUSION

It is therefore recommended that Genexpert Proficiency testing Panels should be done by all the sites that have Genexpert machine to check the performance/functionality and quality of the test results of the Laboratory that conducts the genexpert testing.