The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) has released results of its 2026 External Quality Assessment (EQA) Proficiency Testing, with 72 percent of participating blood banks scoring above the 80th percentile, a sharp improvement from 2025.
The findings were presented to successful public and private facilities at LSBTS headquarters in Gbagada, closing out the annual EQA/Proficiency Testing Programme.
LSBTS Executive Secretary, Doctor Bodunrin Osikomaiya, credited the gains to sustained training, regulatory enforcement, and sector-wide collaboration after gaps were flagged in the maiden 2025 exercise.
The EQA programme was introduced to create measurable benchmarks for lab scientist competence and blood bank quality, she said.
Following last year’s results, LSBTS ran two hands-on practical trainings and three structured sessions, plus continuous medical education to boost technical skill and clinical decision-making.
Over 170 facilities enrolled in the 2026 cycle, with a high submission rate within deadlines, reflecting stronger compliance from both public and private operators.
“72 per cent of participating facilities scored above the 80th percentile,” Dr. Osikomaiya said. “That’s evidence that investments in training and supervision are yielding measurable improvements.”
But she warned that weak performers face consequences. Underperforming centres must undergo mandatory paid retraining and repeat assessments. Those failing minimum standards risk closure until fully compliant.
“Any facility operating below required benchmarks will not be allowed to function as a blood bank in 2026 without proper registration and demonstrated competence,” she said.
LSBTS Quality Manager Taiwo Oloko called the 2026 exercise “highly successful,” noting all facilities that collected samples returned results on time. Beyond technical accuracy, the assessment tested reagent use, clinical decision-making, and blood group selection in simulated scenarios. Documentation, patient ID, labeling, signatures, complete reporting, was also graded as critical to safe practice.
A LASUTH Blood Bank representative said their improved showing came from “deliberate training and retraining” after a poor 2025 outing, plus teamwork and institutional support.
Medical Laboratory Scientist at Options Medical Diagnostics, Olutope Mofikoya, called the EQA a vital tool for continuous quality improvement, saying past lessons helped align internal processes with global standards.
Doctor Osikomaiya commended private operators for embracing reform and thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and State Health leadership for funding the programme, ensuring facilities bore no cost.
