Each year, laboratories in the WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network are assessed by a team of experts led by WHO to ensure their procedures, practices and performance in measles and rubella testing meet WHO standards. While the accreditation process normally includes periodic in-person reviews, this year, assessment of the National Measles and Rubella Laboratory in Malta took place on 1–3 April in a virtual format to pilot test the feasibility of this approach and to save costs.
Expert assessors at WHO/Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the European Regional Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella in Luxembourg were led virtually through the laboratory and were able to inspect on their request various rooms, processes and equipment. The virtual visit covered all essential criteria, including general practices, serology and molecular testing, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of the laboratory’s performance.
The laboratory demonstrated strong performance and robust management practices, thereby achieving an overall score of 90.3% and receiving full accreditation for measles/rubella serology and measles real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the coming year.
Charting new territory in select laboratories
The format of the accreditation review of the laboratory in Malta, located at Mater Dei Hospital, marks a significant milestone in the WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network’s history.
“This innovative virtual accreditation visit not only underscores the resilience and adaptability within the WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, but also sets a precedent for future reviews, demonstrating that in selected laboratories, high-quality assessments can be conducted efficiently and effectively through virtual means,” said Dr Myriam Ben Mamou, Regional Laboratory Coordinator at WHO/Europe.
This forward-thinking approach showcases the opportunities offered by modern technology to overcome logistical challenges and financial constraints without compromising the quality of the accreditation process. The laboratory staff’s meticulous preparation for the virtual review was also instrumental in the successful outcome, highlighting their dedication and readiness to adapt to new methods.
While this approach is undoubtedly useful in specific settings, it is not suitable for all contexts and not meant to replace all onsite visits. Thorough planning of the approach based on laboratory profile and needs is necessary to select the most appropriate format to achieve an optimal outcome.