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Roles of NRLs
Learning ObjectivesEnumerate the 6 NRLs as the primary reference laboratories in the country.
Discuss in detail the role they play in ensuring C&DST QA and NTEP accreditation/ Certification.
Mention that NRLs are inturn supported by SNRLs
- National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) conducts annual on-site evaluation/supervisory visits to laboratories for assessing the quality of microscopy, culture and drug susceptibility test (C&DST), and for improvement of the overall laboratory quality.
- NRLs also assist Central TB Division (CTD), in developing laboratory guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and conduct training to state-level Intermediate reference laboratories (IRLs) and other technical issues.
- NRLs conduct C&DST training to the IRLs, and develop SOPs for the technical procedures, equipment maintenance, infection control and recording and reporting.
- NRLs are also responsible for offering second-line drug susceptibility tests (DST) for multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) treatment failures.
- NRLs are responsible for the accreditation of the mycobacteriology laboratory for culture and drug sensitivity testing under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
- In addition, NRLs are also responsible for the conduct of research for the programme and evaluation of newer tools for the diagnosis of TB.
- The National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) Chennai, the Supranational Reference Laboratory (SRL) of the region is responsible for the external quality assurance of the other 5 NRLs. NIRT is in turn quality-assured through the SRL coordinating laboratory at Antwerp, Belgium.
Assessment Questions
Question |
Answer 1 |
Answer 2 |
Answer3 |
Answer 4 |
Correct Answer |
Correct explanation |
Part of pre-test |
Part of post-test |
What are the functions of National Reference Laboratories? |
Providing Culture and DST training to the IRLs |
Developing SOPs for the technical procedures |
Offering second-line DST |
All of the above |
4 |
All the functions stated are performed by the National Reference Laboratories. |
Yes
|
Yes |
Which institute is responsible for the external quality assurance of NRLs? |
SRL |
CTD |
National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai |
National Tuberculosis Institute, Bangalore |
3 |
The National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) Chennai, the Supranational Reference Laboratory (SRL) of the region is responsible for the external quality assurance of the other 5 NRLs. NIRT is in turn quality-assured through the SRL coordinating laboratory at Antwerp, Belgium. |
Yes
|
Yes |
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2 approved pages in LT-B1
Namrata Wed, 16/02/2022 - 15:27
2 approved pages in LT-B1
KM id: 478: NRLs
KM 479: Functions of NRLs