1. Emergency Preparedness Structure

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

1.1

The laboratory emergency plan has been updated to incorporate COVID-19 preparedness and response planning

1.2

A multidisciplinary planning committee or team has been created to specifically address COVID-19 preparedness planning.

1.3

A focal person is assigned responsibility for facilitating preparedness planning as a COVID-19 response coordinator

1.4

A contact list of emergency response team members is shared and made available, including names, phone numbers, and emails.

1.5

Responsibilities of key personnel within the laboratory related to executing the plan have been described

1.6

Key updates, information, and decisions discussed are documented and disseminated to relevant staff members

2. Laboratory Communication

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

A. Internal Communication

2.1

An internal communication plan is developed determining channels of communication, and streamlining the sharing of information between the management, units, and staff.

2.2

Key information and decisions are shared in an accurate and timely manner to all relevant parties within the laboratory.

2.3

Informational materials (e.g., brochures, posters) on COVID-19 (signs, posters) at entrances and in strategic places providing instruction on hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette that is language, format and reading-level appropriate.

2.4

A process is in place to receive staff members questions, inquiries, and suggestions

2.5

Responsibilities are assigned to staff member(s) responsible for providing answers and feedback to received inquiries

B. External Communication

2.6

An external communication plan is developed determining required information and reports to be shared with relevant external parties.

2.7

Key public health points of contact for communication during a COVID-19 outbreak have been identified

2.8

COVID-19 -related reporting to public health authorities is implemented

2.9

A standardized form/document is utilized to report notifiable diseases or other events

C. Information Security & Confidentiality

2.10

Confidentiality of client data, information, and testing results is ensured

2.11

Disclosure of client information and testing results to national health authority is done in accordance to a documented procedure and follows official reporting

3. Access & Continuity of Care

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

3.1

A list of services provided by the laboratory during the pandemic is defined and made available to the public

3.2

Hand hygiene supplies are made available to clients

upon accessing the premises

3.3

Minimum number of clients at the reception area is maintained , distancing is ensured, and signs are posted to increase awareness and compliance

3.4

A standardized process is followed for referral arrangements of COVID-19 related testing and reference laboratories are identified

4. Laboratory Consumables and Supplies

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

4.1

Updated inventory is developed/maintained an of all equipment, supplies, and consumables; with established shortage alert and reordering mechanism.

4.2

A plan is developed to address likely supply shortages including strategies for using alternative channels for procuring needed resources

4.3

A process is in place to track and report available quantities of consumable medical supplies including the monitoring of supplies of facemasks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection (i.e., face shield or goggles).

4.4

A process is in place to ensure that the laboratory provides supplies and materials necessary to adhere to recommended infection prevention and control practices including:

· Alcohol-based hand sanitizer for hand hygiene is available in all sections of the laboratory.

· Sinks are well-stocked with soap and paper towels for hand washing.

· Signs are posted immediately in the reception area indicating appropriate IPC precautions and required personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Tissues and facemasks for persons with respiratory symptoms to use near entrances and in common areas, with no-touch receptacles for disposal.

· PPE is available immediately outside of the patient testing room and in other areas in the laboratory.

· Appropriate disinfectants to allow for frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and equipment.

5. Laboratory Operations

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

A. Testing of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Specimens

5.1

Specific procedures are documented for COVID-19 specimen collection and are made available to laboratory staff

5.2

Procedures for specimen handling and COVID-19 virus testing (RNA extraction, RT-PCR, serology, etc.) are written and made readily available to staff

5.3

Current versions of published guidelines and other resources (e.g. norms, guidelines, instrument manuals, test kit inserts etc.) are made available in the laboratory for COVID-19 testing

5.4

Only trained personnel are authorized to perform COVID-19 virus testing procedures

5.5

A procedure in place for reporting COVID-19 testing results to patients and national health authorities

5.6

Laboratory equipment are adequately maintained.

5.7

Internal quality controls (IQC) specimens are included when performing COVID-19 testing

5.8

A procedure is in place for recording and reporting IQC results

5.9

Corrective actions are implemented if IQC results are not acceptable

5.10

Laboratory personnel are trained in troubleshooting COVID-19 virus PCR results and a change in assay performance

B. Outreach arrangements for specimen collection and transport practices from the field

5.11

Only trained personnel are authorized to collect specimens from suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients

5.12

Appropriate PPE are worn similar to other manual testing such as but not limited to a full length long (elastic) sleeved lab coat, safety goggles or glasses, and suitable disposable gloves

5.13

Sample collection is performed on a diaper or large towel in a well-ventilated area free of clutter

5.14

The laboratory has a stock of emergency laboratory sampling kits (personal protective equipment, sample collection material, transport media, sample transport packaging)

6. Laboratory Biosafety

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

6.1

Biosafety risk assessment is conducted to ensure that the laboratory is competent to safely perform intended testing with appropriate risk control measures.

6.2

Initial processing (before inactivation) of COVID-19 specimens is done in a validated Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).

6.3

Appropriate disinfectants with proven activity against enveloped viruses are used (for example, hypochlorite [Bleach], alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, and phenolic compounds).

6.4

The appropriate disinfectants are used for the recommended contact time, at the correct dilution, and within the expiry date after the working solution is prepared.

6.5

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), as determined by a detailed risk assessment, are worn by all laboratory personnel handling testing specimens

6.6

The handling of material with high concentrations of live virus (such as when performing virus propagation, virus isolation or neutralization assays) is performed only by properly trained personnel and under the requirement of Biological Safety Level 3.

6.7

A procedure for the cleaning and decontamination of spills is developed and followed by adequate training of staff

6.8

Laboratory staff have immediate access to spill kits, including those containing disinfectant.

6.9

All materials transported within and between laboratories are placed in a secondary packaging, while specimens leaving the BSC undergo surface decontamination

6.10

A validated infectious waste management process including excess specimens is followed

7. Human Resources Management

Item

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

Not Applicable

A. Staffing

7.1

An updated staff contact list is maintained

7.2

Staff absenteeism is estimated in advance and monitored continuously

7.3

Prioritize staffing needs by unit or service type and distribute personnel accordingly

7.4

Consider reassigning staff at high risk for complications of COVID-19 acute respiratory infection.

7.5

Staff working schedule is designed to share workload among staff effectively while ensuring their sufficient rest and sleep time

B. Occupational Health

7.6

The facility has employee sick leave policies that are non-punitive, flexible, and consistent with public health policies that allow ill healthcare personnel (HCP) to stay home.

7.7

There is a process followed to identify and manage staff members with fever and symptoms of COVID-19.

7.8

The laboratory develops a clear policy for monitoring and managing staff members with potential for exposure to COVID-19, or who have had exposure to a confirmed, probable or suspected COVID-19 patient

7.9

A process is in place for auditing staff member’s adherence to recommended PPE use, and hand hygiene practices

C. Education & Training

7.10

The laboratory has plans to provide education and training to laboratory staff, and clients to help them understand the implications of, and basic prevention and control measures for, COVID-19. All staff should be included in education and training activities.

7.11

A person or team has been designated with responsibility for coordinating education and training on COVID-19 (e.g., identifies and facilitates access to available training programs, maintains a record of personnel attendance).

7.12

Educational materials and training programs are based on updated evidence-based guidelines from reputable references, includes the following:

· Emergency response plan
· Appropriate PPE use
· Hand Hygiene practices
· Internal & External communication
· Confidentiality of data and information
· COVID-19 specimen handling, testing, and transfer procedure
· COVID-19 reporting procedure
· Sick Leaves policy

7.13

Staff members are trained on infection prevention practices and biosafety requirements for dealing with specimens of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases

7.14

Staff members are trained on waste management practices related to specimens of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases

7.15

Cleaning staff are trained on proper cleaning and disinfecting practices

7.16

Laboratory has a plan for the training of non-facility staff members brought in from other locations to provide assistance when the laboratory faces staffing shortage.