Panel Testing

Panel testing is a method of External Quality Assurance (EQA) that is used to determine the adequacy of a laboratory technician to perform Acid-fast Bacillus (AFB) smear microscopy. This method evaluates individual performance in staining and reading and not the other laboratory activities.

• Panel testing under National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) is used for Intermediate Reference Laboratories (IRLs) and District TB Centres (DTCs) during on-site evaluation, because these institutions do not have routine slides for blinded rechecking.
• A panel consists of a batch of stained and/or unstained smears that are sent out by the higher-level reference laboratory to the peripheral laboratories for processing, reading, and reporting of results
• Panel testing is not performed as a routine in DMCs, as they will have regular on-site evaluation and blinded rechecking.

Uses of Panel Testing

• Supplement re-checking programmes
• Provide information on the capabilities of the peripheral laboratories prior to
  implementing a re-checking program
• Assess status level of performance or to quickly detect problems associated with very poor performance
• Evaluate proficiency of laboratory technicians following training
• Monitor performance of individuals when adequate resources are not available to implement a re-checking program.

Resources

• RNTCP Laboratory Network Guidelines

Assessment