Laboratory Strengthening Tools

No one should have to reinvent the wheel. This principle applies equally to implementing a quality management system, developing a National Essential Diagnostics List, or carrying out any other laboratory strengthening initiative. Why not learn from the experience of others?

DATOS brings extensive expertise in developing laboratory strengthening tools, translating complex, state-of-the-art concepts into practical, easy-to-use guidance. Over the years, we have created multiple tools that have successfully strengthened laboratories, laboratory networks, and national systems. Here are a few examples:

The Laboratory Systems Maturity Monitoring (LMM) Framework

Over the past two decades, significant investments have been made in strengthening national laboratory systems in low- and middle-income countries. Measuring laboratory system performance is crucial to track progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) targets and International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 compliance. It also informs evidence-based investments and helps develop policies aligned with emerging global health priorities.

DATOS led the development of the LMM Framework on behalf of Africa CDC and WHO-AFRO, with support from The Global Fund. This standardized tool enables continuous measurement of laboratory system maturity. The LMM is part of a broader collaborative effort among countries, donors, implementers, and health agencies to strengthen national laboratory systems more effectively. Its results help countries identify critical gaps, prioritize actions, and allocate resources to reinforce health laboratory systems, ultimately supporting improved disease control and health security.

FIND Laboratory SLIPTA Asessment Scorecards

To support laboratory quality improvement, DATOS has developed multiple sets of scorecards for assessing laboratory testing processes and compliance with the Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist for FIND. Key tools include:

• FIND Score-TB Package

• FIND AMR Lab Quality Scorecards

These scorecards are available in both hardcopy and e-tool formats. The e-tool simplifies data entry, processing, and analysis, with results visualized to provide rapid insights into strengths and gaps.

This is just a selection of the laboratory strengthening tools DATOS has developed over the years. If learn more about our expertise in tool development, please don't hesitate to contact us!