Parasitology proficiency testing in the quality assessment programme in Thailand.

Review of participant performance in the quality assessment programme from 1988 to 1991 shows that laboratories have been able to identify most common helminths and protozoa in multiple fecal samples. Ability has improved during the period reviewed. Proficiency in identifying the diagnostic stages of helminths is considerably higher than in protozoa. Analyses of results have shown that participant laboratories correctly identified approximately 64 per cent of intestinal helminths and 40 per cent of intestinal protozoa. Correct identification of blood parasites was achieved by an average of 50 per cent of the laboratories. Their rate of achievement was 10 per cent higher than in the last period reviewed. There is still room for improvement and well-trained personnel should lead to better performance.