DOTS Expansion Working Group - Subgroups
Laboratory Strengthening Subgroup
Terms of reference
To assist the DEWG members, in particular the NTP managers of endemic countries, to:
- Improve the performance of sputum smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, and drug susceptibility testing (DST) at national reference level and at peripheral laboratories
- Implement internal quality control for sputum smear microscopy, culture and DST
- Implement external quality assurance mechanisms for sputum smear microscopy, culture and DST
- Improve bio-safety conditions in TB laboratories
- Develop curricula and training tools to cover the above-mentioned laboratory functions
- Develop operational research capacity
- Implement Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) including Standard Operating Procedures
Chair
Dr John Ridderhof
Chief, Laboratory Systems Development Branch, Division of Laboratory Systems
National Center for Preparedness, Detection and Control of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
jridderhof@cdc.gov
Public-Private Mix (PPM) Subgroup
Childhood TB Subgroup
