title
There are several laboratories at the Lugar Center which are accredited by international
organizations and these laboratories regularly participate in evaluations of professional
competence.
I. There is an influenza laboratory at the National Center for Disease Control & Public Health
(NCDC&PH) which has been in operation since 2006. In 2007 the laboratory became a
National Influenza Center recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The
laboratory participates in external quality assessment programs organized by WHO;
annually it receives proficiency tests for evaluation. Every year, influenza virus isolates
and/or positive samples are sent to WHO’s collaborative center for influenza in London for
confirmation and further study. WHO subject matter experts (SMEs) evaluate laboratory
operations and capabilities through onsite visitation or remotely using standardized
questionnaires.
II. The WHO-accredited Georgian National Laboratory of Poliomyelitis and other
Enteroviruses is included in the regional WHO/Europe Polio Laboratory Network and
regularly participates in external quality assessment programs organized by WHO.
III. The Measles/Rubella and Rotavirus Units at the Serology Laboratory of the Lugar Center
participate in evaluations of professional competence organized by WHO. The
Measles/Rubella Unit has received WHO’s full accreditation.
IV. Since 2003 the Enterobacteria Unit at the General Bacteriology Laboratory of the Lugar
Center has participated in external quality assessment under the WHO Global Salmonella
Surveillance Program. Every year it receives proficiency tests for Salmonella, Shigella,
Escherichia coli, Vibrio, Campylobacter, and other conditionally pathogenic bacteria.
V. The Respiratory Bacteria Team at the General Bacteriology Laboratory of the Lugar
Center participate in external quality assessment under the WHO Bacterial Meningitis
Program. Every year the team receive proficiency tests for Neisseria
meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.