Table 1 Comparison of focus areas in the NIC terms of reference (ToR), CDC-APHL International Influenza Laboratory Capacity Review Tool, and the WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool
General Conditions for NICs: Terms of Reference | CDC-APHL International Influenza Laboratory Capacity Review Tool: Nine modular section | WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool: Four modular phases: |
|---|---|---|
Serve as a reference laboratory for influenza in their country Serve as a technical resource on influenza-related matters for their national authority Serve as a key point of contact to WHO on issues related to influenza in their country Adhere to their national and/or international biosafety standards for work with influenza viruses Adhere to national and international regulations on the transport of dangerous goods (Class/division 6.2)4 when shipping clinical specimens and/or virus isolates Meet quality requirements of national or international quality standards, as applicable, and participate in external quality assessment programmes (EQAP) provided by WHO to GISRS Maintain a high level of technical proficiency by participating in training provided by GISRS | Laboratory Contact Information General Laboratory Specimen Handling, Collection, and Reporting Virology Laboratory Molecular Biology Laboratory Laboratory Safety and Biosafety Quality Assurance / Quality Control Equipment Training | Ensuring that the primary process of the laboratory operates correctly and safely Controlling and assuring quality and creating traceability Ensuring proper management, leadership and organization Create continuous improvement and prepare for accreditation |