Advancing quality management to higher levels of sophistication
Phase 3 of the GLI Quality Tool introduces more complex quality management activities across all twelve Quality Systems Essentials, building on the foundations established in Phases 1 and 2.
Phase 3 is designed for TB laboratories that have successfully implemented the practices outlined in Phases 1 and 2. At this stage, laboratories move beyond foundational and intermediate quality activities toward more sophisticated systems — strengthening process control, deepening data analysis, and embedding quality into daily operations at every level.
Phase 3 of the GLI Quality tool represents the culmination of a laboratory's quality journey, building directly on the foundations established in earlier phases. Laboratories that reach this stage have already demonstrated their commitment to basic quality practices and have moved beyond the essential structure and process requirements. The focus now shifts toward sophisticated systems that integrate quality into everyday operations, ensuring that every member of the team understands how their individual work contributes to the overall reliability and accuracy of the laboratory's diagnostic services.
At the heart of Phase 3 is a deepened commitment to process control and continual improvement. Laboratories are encouraged to examine their workflows with greater scrutiny, identifying opportunities to reduce variation, prevent errors, and streamline activities that support patient care. Data analysis becomes a central activity, with staff learning to interpret performance indicators and use that information to guide decision-making. This phase moves the laboratory from simply following procedures to actively evaluating and refining them on an ongoing basis.
Embedding quality into daily operations requires a shift in organizational culture, and Phase 3 supports laboratories in making that transition. Personnel at all levels become engaged in quality activities, from routine documentation practices to proactive problem-solving when issues arise. The stepwise approach of the GLI tool ensures that this evolution remains manageable, allowing laboratories to build capacity gradually while maintaining the momentum they established in earlier phases. Leadership plays a key role in sustaining this culture and modeling quality-focused behavior throughout the organization.
The tools and checklists available in Phase 3 are designed to be practical and user-friendly, supporting laboratories as they implement more advanced quality management activities. Whether working on nonconforming event management, internal assessments, or customer feedback systems, laboratories can follow a clear roadmap that aligns with international standards and best practices. By completing this phase, laboratories position themselves for formal accreditation processes and demonstrate their readiness to deliver reliable, high-quality tuberculosis diagnostic services that support national health goals and strengthen the broader laboratory network.
Phase 3 continues the structured framework of twelve Quality Systems Essentials, now addressed with greater depth and complexity:
Activities focus on refining standard operating procedures, enhancing internal quality control, and implementing more rigorous monitoring mechanisms.
Laboratories develop stronger information management practices, using data trends to drive decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
Internal audits and assessments become more systematic, with structured follow-up and corrective action planning integrated into routine workflows.
Nonconforming event management matures into a proactive system, and continual improvement activities are embedded across all laboratory functions.
Phase 3 is intended for laboratories that have completed or made substantial progress through Phase 1 and Phase 2. The stepwise design ensures that each phase builds on the last — laboratories should have foundational quality practices firmly in place before advancing to the more demanding activities of Phase 3.
Phase-specific checklists are available to help assess readiness and track progress through each Quality Systems Essential at this level.
Visit the Checklists page for phase-specific self-assessment tools, or explore Download for offline resources.