HSCL ACE3 Produces External Quality Assurance Panels in Kebbi State
In July 2025, HSCL ACE3 successfully conducted the production of External Quality Assurance (EQA) panels using Dried Tube Specimens (DTS) in Kebbi State as part of the Proficiency Testing Continuous Quality Initiative (PTCQI).
Held over five days at KMC Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi, the exercise brought together the State Quality Assurance Champions Team (SQACT), laboratory advisors, and the senior lab lead advisor from the three HSCL ACE3 states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi.
The goal is to strengthen the integrity of HIV and Hepatitis B testing processes through systematic testing point mapping, DTS production, and panel distribution.
What is DTS and Why It Matters
The DTS-based proficiency testing process is a continuous quality initiative that provides an easy, objective way to assess the accuracy of HIV testing. It not only helps detect gaps in testing performance but also educates testers, improves their skills, and ensures the sustainability of high-quality HIV diagnostic services.
Key Achievements
- Large-Scale DTS Production: Pooled samples were used to prepare enough DTS to support four months of weekly Internal Quality Control (IQC) runs across all HIV and HBsAg testing points.
- Quality Monitoring: Outcomes from testing sites will be collated, analyzed, and used to guide mentorship visits, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
- Capacity Building: SQACT members received hands-on experience in panel production, distribution, and documentation for consistent national quality standards.
Looking Ahead
A proposal to include Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), a significant public health burden in future DTS proficiency testing was tabled for SQACT review. Plans are in motion to finalize modalities during the FY25 Round 3 cycle, with implementation targeted for that same round. This initiative reaffirms HSCL ACE3’s commitment to building a sustainable quality culture in HIV diagnosis ensuring every test result is reliable, every time.