Tuberculosis Specific activities

IQLS works significantly for TB control programs in different countries:
Benin, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Myanmar, Sudan, Swaziland, Vietnam
Activities are articulated around different themes:

Training activities

  • TB laboratory management training (Sudan, Vietnam, 2X5 days)
  • TB microscopy laboratory assessment training (Vietnam, 5 days)
  • TB laboratory quality management training (Benin, 3 days)
  • TB laboratory biosafety training (Benin, 3 days)

Laboratory assessment

  • Assessment of numerous TB laboratories, from microscopy to culture, DST, PCR, GeneXpert, etc., in several countries
  • Development of a computerized assessment tool for TB culture laboratory assessment, “TB-LAT”, available in English and Russian, used in 25 countries worldwide
  • Development of a specific assessment tool for TB microscopy laboratories, Vietnam

Laboratory facility design

  • Design or redesign of TB laboratory
  • Feasibility surveys, costing
  • BSL2+/BSL3 design

Data management

  • Development of a dedicated TB/HIV LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), TBeLog, successfully in the 2 biggest laboratories in Vietnam
  • Training on TB data management, diagnosis algorithms and associated data management processes (Vietnam)
  • Feasibility studies for comprehensive computerized TB program management (Myanmar)

Laboratory networking

  • Development of a specific TB laboratory network assessment tool (available in English, Russian and Viêt)
  • Development of a 2 days specific workshop on laboratory networking, for national level decision makers and key stakeholders

Microscopy slide rechecking activities

  • Development of a dedicated online interface for slide rechecking program management.
  • Data entry, report management, statistics, graphs, lab follow-up
  • Installation in Benin, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Myanmar, Swaziland, Vietnam

TB laboratory network management web interface

  • Combination of different modules:
  • Slide rechecking management
  • Training management
  • Supervision management
  • Documentation management
  • Accessible by all TB programs actors (lab specialists, coordination, epidemiologists, clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, etc.)

Panel testing EQA program organization

  • Organization of different EQA programs for TB:
    • Microscopy scheme (light or fluorescence)
    • Identification and DST, based on simulated sputums which can include MDR-TB (but not XDR-TB) are sent for EQA purpose
    • GeneXpert specific scheme
  • Development of online interface for national EQA program management (rechecking and panel testing)

Specific skills and certificates of the IQLS staff

  • BSL3 Facilities: Design, Construction and Beyond”, Eagleson institute, Raleigh, 2014
  • Advanced BSL3 Work Practices and Procedures” , Eagleson institute, Raleigh, 2014
  • Training on the GeneXpert MTB-Rif assay”, Cepheid, Toulouse, France, 2013