John Hopkins Project Lab, Malawi
Alex Siyasiya, Quality Assurance Supervisor
This spotlight was hosted by the Laboratory Manager, Mr. Dean Kamangadazi Soko
Q: How many people work in your laboratory, and how is it organized?
A: We are a research lab that consists of 1 laboratory director (Dr. Timothy Amukele), 2 laboratory managers, 16 laboratory technicians, 8 laboratory assistants, and 4 support staff.
The laboratory is organized into the following departments:
Central Processing (receives and sorts samples, and then distributes samples to testing department)
Hematology
Chemistry
Serology
Immunology
Microbiology
Molecular
Q: What is the qualification of your laboratory technicians?
A: Our laboratory technicians have mixed backgrounds, some hold a BSc in Biomedical Sciences, and others hold Diplomas in Biomedical Sciences.
Q: What is your laboratory’s testing volume? Do you ever act as a referral laboratory, or do you serve one particular hospital?
A: We occasionally conduct testing for other research affiliates, as well as conduct testing on samples from the Central Hospital where our laboratory is located
Q: Tell us about one or two accomplishments that you are proud of.
A: Our lab has received two awards from the Research Networks we are affiliated with, as detailed below:
1) The Microbicides Trials Network, Award for LDMS Excellence, 2018 – awarded in recognition of resolving queries in a timely manner
2) HIV Prevention Trials Network, The LaTanya Johnson-Lewis Award, 2018 – awarded in recognition of achievements in clinical laboratory science and in support of medical technologists
Q: Describe your quality management process.
A: Our quality management process involves monitoring the laboratory’s performance, ensuring that the laboratory is producing reliable test data. Problems are identified and rectified as soon as possible, with documentation of such action.
The lab has quality indicators which are actively evaluated to maintain an established standard of laboratory performance and compliance. Data from each monitored area is collected, recorded and analyzed to detect trends and overall compliance.
Areas currently being monitored by the laboratory include: external proficiency testing, specimen management, employee training and competency, quality control, procedural review, results reporting, complaints, laboratory inventory, equipment, and safety.
Q: Do you have a Laboratory Information System?
A: Yes.
Q: What are the main challenges your laboratory experiences?
A: The main challenge is the procurement of reagents as most of the are sourced from outside the country. We do not always receive reagents in a timely manner once we order them.
Q: Is the laboratory accredited? If not, are you working towards accreditation?
A: The lab is not currently accredited, however we are working towards accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Q: Are there any exciting future plans for the laboratory that you want to share?
A: The laboratory is currently working towards accreditation by CAP, and we are greatly looking forward to this accomplishment once we are successful.
Microscopy area
COVID-19 Questions
Q: What platform are you using for COVID testing?
A: We are currently not testing for COVID-19, but plans are underway to participate in testing for research purposes only. We plan to use GeneXpert and Abbott m2000 platforms.
Q: What is your current or planned turnaround time (TAT) for testing?
A: Once we start testing, our TAT will be 2 days (results could be potentially released same day if samples have been received in good time)
Q: How do people pay for COVID-19 testing?
A: Since we plan to test for research purposes, no clients will be paying for the services.