WHO’s Guide for the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) in the African Region

The guidelines for the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA), published by WHO, provides a framework for countries in the Africa Region in their efforts to strengthen medical laboratory services through fulfilment of the requirements of the ISO 15189 standard. The SLIPTA Guideline describes key elements of the laboratory quality improvement process and details how member states and partners can implement this initiative for strengthening laboratory systems. Based on the principles of affordability, scalability, measurability and accessibility, SLIPTA promotes country ownership of the process and sustainability of improved quality laboratories. Also see the SLIPTA Checklist, developed to evaluate the improvement process. Together, the SLIPTA Guideline and Checklist are intended for use by policymakers; ministries of health; government and management officials; public health and medical professionals; laboratory technicians; clinicians; technical experts; laboratory and programme managers; and international, regional and local partners.