[Development of criteria for assessing the quality of microbiological studies and for evaluating their efficiency in tuberculosis service facilities and the general health network].

The major available indicators of the efficiency of laboratory service activities in diagnosing tuberculosis, including those widely used in international practice and Russian traditional tuberculosis statistical data, are analyzed. The optimal criteria for assessing the quality and efficiency of work of the clinical diagnostic laboratories of the general health network and the bacteriological laboratories of a tuberculosis service in the detection, diagnosis, and chemotherapy monitoring of tuberculosis have been developed. The recommended levels of the indicators, which are to be achieved by well working laboratories, if a well-implemented tuberculosis-controlling program is available, are defined.