2
              Learning Objectives
   At the end of this module, you will be able to:
   • Understand the importance and components of quality assurance
   • Identify quality elements throughout testing
   • Recognize key factors that may affect the quality of RTRI testing
   • Describe your responsibilities in preventing and detecting errors 
   • Describe the importance of using quality control (QC) specimens
   • Understand how to ensure proper storage and cycling of stock
                                                        3
                   What is “Quality” ?
    • Clients receive accurate test results within a reasonable 
      time period based on:
      • Availability of test kits & supplies 
      • Condition of test kits 
      • Collection and handling of specimens (type & amount)
      • Standard test procedures followed
      • Interpretation and reporting of results
                                                                 4
              Quality Assurance Cycle
                                     Plan
                                     Plan
                                                 Develop
                                                 Develop
                                                 •
                                                 • Training 
                                                  Training 
                                                   tools
                      Improve                      tools
                      Improve
                                                  •
                                                  • Data 
                                                   Data 
                                                  capture 
                                                  capture 
                                   QAC             tools
                                   QAC             tools
                                     (RTRI 
                                     (RTRI 
                                  Implementatio
                                  Implementatio
                                      n)
                     Corrective       n)
                      Corrective 
                      Actions 
                      Actions                   Implement
                                                Implement
                       •
                       • Provide 
                        Provide                 •
                                                • Train testers
                       feedback                  Train testers
                       feedback                 •
                                                •  Collect data
                       •                          Collect data
                       • On-site 
                        On-site 
                       Refresher
                       Refresher
                                    Monitor
                                    Monitor
                                    •
                                    • Review & 
                                     Review & 
                                   Analyze data
                                    Analyze data
                                                           5
        Why Is the Quality Assurance Cycle 
                           Important? 
    • Ensures that correct test results are provided to client 
    • Provides means to prevent, detect and correct errors 
    • Reduces costs 
           Even the simplest rapid test is not foolproof!
                                                          6
        Components of Quality Assurance
                       Safety
                       Safety
                       Quality 
                       Quality 
                    Control (QC)
                    Control (QC)
                                                          Serum  
                                                          Serum  
                                                         Plasma 
     Quality                                              Plasma 
     Quality          Record          Proficiency 
   Assurance           Record         Proficiency 
   Assurance          Keeping         Testing (PT)
                      Keeping         Testing (PT)      Dried Tube 
      (QA)                                              Dried Tube 
      (QA)
                                                         Specimen 
                                                         Specimen 
                      External 
                      External                             (DTS)
                                                           (DTS)
                       Quality         Re-testing
                       Quality         Re-testing
                    Assessment
                    Assessment
                       Other
                       Other           Site Visit
                     (Inventory)        Site Visit
                     (Inventory)