SLIPTA

SLIPTA stands for Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation. It is a framework used in the African region to assess progress in laboratory quality-system development and guide improvement toward accreditation readiness. Assessments examine a range of management and technical practices using the applicable programme checklist and arrangements. Laboratories should confirm the current programme requirements with the responsible coordinating body.

A stepwise assessment helps identify gaps and prioritize work, but its recognition is not the same as formal accreditation to ISO 15189. Checklist results should lead to practical improvements, assigned actions, and follow-up rather than become the sole objective of the quality system. Where programme checklists or scoring arrangements change, use the applicable version and preserve enough context to interpret earlier assessment results.

SLIPTA can help a laboratory organize evidence and sustain progress toward an external accreditation assessment. For accreditation planning, distinguish programme achievements from the independent decision of an accreditation body. Use findings to strengthen everyday service delivery and competence, and avoid assuming that a particular stepwise rating guarantees that all requirements for the intended accreditation scope have been met.