Laboratories Networking for Influenza flu A (H1N1) Complying with Ministry of Public Health Protocol in 2010

Abstract

Upon the outbreak of Influenza flu A (H1N1) in Thailand in 2009, Ministry of Public Health(MOPH) had a policy to promote clinical laboratories for diagnosis of Influenza flu A (H1N1) by usingmolecular genetic testing. The key performance index (KPI) of Influenza flu A (H1N1) laboratory measurementwas established by MOPH in fiscal year 2010. The operation for Influenza flu A (H1N1) laboratorynetwork development was done by research and development approach to get a suitable system for laboratorynetwork complying with MOPH protocol. The system comprised of two main processes, laboratory developmentand accreditation system. As the result of this system, there were five laboratories which had qualified a certificate from MOPH, namely Maharajnakhonratchasima Hospital, Ratchaburi Hospital, Suratthani Hos282Disease Control Journal Vol 37 No. 4 Oct- Dec 2011 Laboratories Networking for Influenza flu A (H1N1)pital, Khonkaen Hospital and Bangkok RIA Lab Co., Ltd. Department of Medical Sciences also had guidelineto work and extend to more government and private laboratories in the next fiscal year.