Proficiency Testing of Pregnancy, Urinary Protein and Glucose Testing in Primary Care Units in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Regional Medical Sciences Center 1 Chiang Mai has operated a laboratory proficiency testing scheme for primary care units to support the quality development of medical and public health laboratories since 2017. The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of laboratory testing among primary care units in Health Region 1, 2, and 3. From 2017 to 2019, 5 rounds-proficiency testing scheme was conducted. Eighteen proficiency test items (PT items) were developed and prepared in our department and used in this scheme. The urine pregnancy testing results by using simple tests (n = 9,885) and urine protein and glucose testing results by using strips (n = 9,861 each) were studied. The results showed that using standard points, 94.41,81.33 and 80.42% of participants had good quality in urine pregnancy test, protein, and glucose, respectively. Some participants (3.73, 12.62, and 12.89%) had fair quality while the rest (1.86, 6.05, and 6.69%) needed improvement. Among those needed improving, the most possible cause of errors was switching records between protein and glucose test results (53.75%) followed by switching PT items when testing (53.12%). The study indicated that most participants had good quality testing. However, additional training is needed to provide more knowledge and skill in laboratory testing processes. The information obtained from this work would be useful for the relevant organization in developing good quality laboratory testing of primary care units.