Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of laboratory at all levels in Gansu for effective TB control. MethodsAccording to the instructions of The manual of examination quality assurance of sputum smear in China Tuberculosis Programme, external quality assessment has been implemented in TB laboratories at all levels and the acquired Results have been analyzed. Results From 2004 to 2007, the consistency positive rate of sputum smear between province and county was 89.0%, the consistency negative rate was 99.7%,the five quality indexes of sputum smear were lower than national standards, laboratory which had an serious error accounted for 39.4%, Results of on-site evaluation and volume testing were well. ConclusionsThe implementation of external quality assessment raises the review rate of sputum smear in Gansu, which improves the construction of laboratory, increases operational capacity of sputum smear technician and makes the external quality assessment more scientific.

Key words: Sputum, Microscopy, Laboratories, Quality control, Gansu province