In a special edition of “Talking A,” Dr. Gustavo Barra highlights important aspects of the work that received international recognition.
The scientific summary “Laboratory Performance in Molecular Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Through Analysis of External Quality Assessment Program Results: WHO-Recommended Tests Outperform Others” received the Personalized Medicine Division Award at ADLM 2024.
Emphasizing the value of the Brazilian External Quality Assessment program (Proficiency Testing – PT) for tuberculosis detection, the work is the result of discussions among Controllab experts with the valuable collaboration of Gustavo Barra, PhD in Molecular Pharmacology and coordinator of the genomics department at Sabin Diagnóstico e Saúde.
Scientific approach
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Gustavo detailed the scientific approach of the summary and highlighted the collaborative partnership that led to international recognition. According to the specialist, Controllab, as a provider of Proficiency Testing, has a comprehensive view of diagnostic medicine in Brazil and the countries where it operates. This allows the company to provide valuable information to both laboratories and patients, positively impacting global health.
– Our work analyzed the performance of Molecular Proficiency Testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and found that, overall, laboratories have performed very well, with accuracy exceeding 95% over the past four years, both in detecting the pathogen and identifying resistances. Commercial methods show better performance, and those recommended by the WHO are superior to those without this recommendation, he highlighted.
During the interview, the specialist emphasized that Proficiency Testing is not just a regulatory obligation, but rather the primary tool that laboratories have to self-evaluate and compare their processes with their peers, ensuring the safety and credibility of the results they produce.
Differentiators of the summary
Dr. Gustavo highlighted the differentiators of the award-winning scientific summary compared to other presentations at the event:
– Relevance of the topic, as tuberculosis has become the leading infectious disease causing death after the control of COVID. A well-planned study with broad and robust sampling. Clear recommendations applicable to routine analytical practices regarding preferred methodologies for molecular tuberculosis detection. Lastly, the narrative is based on concrete evidence, highlighting the strength of the summary’s conclusions, he stated.
The scientific summary was selected from among 775 submitted works for the poster hall in the category of the annual meeting, highlighting Controllab’s commitment to fostering quality and promoting knowledge globally through its initiatives and professional integrations.
ADLM 2024 was organized by the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM), formerly known as AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry). The event brought together experts in the field of laboratory medicine to discuss advancements and challenges in the sector, featuring a rich program of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and educational sessions.
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