Integral evaluation of quality in diagnostic laboratory networks

The Center of Immunoassay of Cuba (CIE) has been dedicated for years to develop the SUMA (Ultra Micro Analytical System) technology, applied in preand post-natal screening programs, epidemiological surveillance and certification of blood, organs and placenta. CIE has developed and updated the quality control systems based on clinical laboratory theoretical background of this field, to guarantee the quality performance of this technology in the Cuban laboratory network and in other countries. These objectives have resulted in an informatics support or software named Modular System for Quality Control which comprises an informatics tool intended to evaluate the quality of laboratory networks by combining different types of internal control, such as internal, external and statistical data. They support an integral assessment of quality performance in these labs. The elements of design; development and evaluation used by the Modular System for Quality Control are described here. This system is already installed in the laboratory networks of the Cuban Health System, guaranteeing its safety, reliability and quality.