Reporting the performance of a DMC

The monthly abstract is a recording format filled and printed in the Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory register. Every month after the last day, the laboratory technician (LT) summarizes the information on sputum smear examinations done during that month, using the monthly abstract format.

Additionally, on-site evaluation of the technical practices in the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) laboratories is performed by a properly trained Senior Tuberculosis Laboratory Supervisor (STLS). The major findings of this supervision visit are recorded as part of the monthly abstract in the TB laboratory register.

Important Points to Note

• The STLS should write the monthly supervisory abstract after the last entry of the month.
• A new page is used every month for recording the sputum examinations undertaken.
• The correctness of the information is very important as a small mistake at a particular DMC can change the overall figures of a particular district.

The figure below shows the TB lab monthly abstract format.

Figure: TB Lab Monthly Abstract Format; Source: Guidelines for Quality Assurance of Smear Microscopy for Diagnosing Tuberculosis; p85.

Resources

• Guidelines for Quality Assurance of Smear Microscopy for Diagnosing Tuberculosis, NTEP, 2005.
• NTEP Training Modules 1-4 for Programme Managers & Medical Officers, 2020.

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