Laboratory assessment, Northern Region, 2017

Abstract

Introduction : laboratory service is an integral component of diseases surveillance and health care delivery. Tamale Central Hospital is government owned health facility with Clinical Laboratory which serves the Tamale Metropolis and the surroundings. The laboratory is mandated to perform routine and specialized Laboratory investigation. The Tamale Central Hospital Laboratory has never been audited. We assessed the laboratory to identify deficiencies and strengths so as to prescribe recommendations to ensure that the Laboratory meets the International Organization for Standardization requirements. Methods : we conducted an on-site visit and interviewed the staff of the laboratory. The WHO Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist for Clinical and Public Health Laboratories to assess and scored the laboratory was used. Each section was scored based on mark allocated to the question. Scores were summarized and presented in tables and figures.