Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42046700›Full record

ArticleWellcome open research2026

Implementing and Transitioning a Laboratory Quality Management System from ISO 15189:2012 to ISO 15189:2022: Experience from the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre.

Dumizulu Tembo, Joshua S Kaphika, Ajisa Ahmadu, Lovemore Alufandika, Vincent Kalilangwe, Christopher Kukacha, Dumisani Kaphika, Funny T Lipenga, Mirriam Machonjo, Sekani Manda and 9 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Wellcome open research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

19 authors.

Dumizulu TemboMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7604-1752
Joshua S KaphikaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6982-5464
Ajisa AhmaduMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Lovemore AlufandikaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Vincent KalilangweMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Christopher KukachaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Dumisani KaphikaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5361-4231
Funny T LipengaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Mirriam MachonjoMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Sekani MandaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Mazuba MasinaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Emmanuel C MchomaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4699-3976
Alice C MnyangaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4654-0691
Innocent M MoyoMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Fatsani P MutalaMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Patrick MzumaraMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Doris ShaniMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
George P SelemaniMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
Brigitte DenisMalawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: The implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) in line with ISO 15189:2022 is essential for clinical and research laboratories striving to achieve technical competence and consistent delivery of valid results. This article presents the approach undertaken by Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) laboratories to integrate and manage the QMS based on ISO 15189 and steps taken to successfully transition to the new version of the same standard. Methods: The implementation process involved several key steps, including mentorship, conducting an initial gap analysis, and implementing the quality management system. A quality officer was appointed to oversee the process, supported by leadership engagement and staff training to establish core competencies. Additional activities included the development of required documentation, participation in proficiency testing and Internal Quality Control (IQC) programmes, and the verification of test methods. Quality indicators were established to monitor performance. During the transition to the updated ISO 15189 standard, a second gap analysis was conducted, emphasising risk-based thinking and alignment with patient-centred requirements. Results: The outcomes demonstrate enhanced laboratory performance, improved documentation, and a stronger teamwork and culture of quality. This experience offers practical insights for laboratories seeking to implement ISO 15189 and underscores the importance of tailored implementation strategies that reflect the organizational context and laboratory scope. Conclusions: The successful implementation of a QMS demands a comprehensive, system-wide approach and robust teamwork to achieve established goals effectively. It necessitates ongoing periodic assessments and substantial support human and financial resources. Furthermore, continuous training and mentorship by qualified QMS professionals are essential to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Indexed as

AccreditationISO15189Medical researchQuality AssuranceQuality management systems

Identifiers

PMID42046700
PMCPMC13110388

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.