Author: john.ferguson

Papua New Guinea Antimicrobial Guidelines 2024 First edition released

Thanks to the tireless energy of the writing group under the capable chairmanship of the late Dr Goa Tau and Dr Robert Moulds from Therapeutic Guidelines and assistance from the Burnet Institute, these guidelines have come to fruition.  For the first time,  guidance about management of viral hepatitis , a very impactful disease in PNG (cirrhosis and hepatoma) is included.  Ms Mieke Hutchison-Kern was the coordinating Pharmacist from TG.

The full guidelines were launched in November  and will be made available online soon. See Clinical Guidelines for the link when available and some key sub references.

Approach to document development, review and approval revised

STOP PRESS:

After review by a lead group convened by Dr Mabone, the Laboratory Quality Manual , Section 13, Documents and Records, now includes a consistent approach to document management across the three major organisations that are lead pathology documentation in PNG – CPHL, PMGH Laboratory and the Blood Transfusion Service. Refer to Laboratory Quality Manual page entry.   The Printed SOP Acknowledgement Sheet (G_10_WS_4) has also been amended to include a table for suggested amendments / corrections.

This overview of roles and responsibilities is included as shown here:

New microbiology jobaid released

G_90_J_23_A Commensal and Pathogenic bacteria 15Jan23 joins many other available jobaids (see Microbiology Documents) that are designed to be laminated for display at the lab bench.

This particular jobaid explains which microorganism species  (bacterial, fungi and viruses) are associated with disease in specimens drawn from different body sites in a single page summary. Here is a snapshot- happy reading!

 

National Laboratory Quality Manual version 1 launched!

The launch of the National LQM occurred at the 3 day National Laboratory Technical Working Group planning meeting in Port Moresby on 31/8/22.

Dr Ferguson provided an overview of the development of the LQM and its resources. The content derives primarily from extensive laboratory quality manual drafts. developed by CPHL and PMGH Lab.  The UK AID-supported Fleming Fund Country Grant (commenced 2020) has focused on developing microbiology services across 6 laboratories, including LQMS.  The project integrated the existing work and with the assistance of the Chief Pathologist and other stakeholders developed the issued version 1.