Implementation of the DGNTI-COPANIT ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard in the Diagnosis and Identification Unit of the Screwworm
Empowering precision and quality in every product and service
Challenges
The Panama-United States Commission for the Erradication and Prevention of Cattle Screwworm (known in Spanish as COPEG) represents for Panama and the world a benchmark for a serious transboundary disease. Standing out as a reference laboratory gives the employees and organization prestige plus it makes their potential and professional capacity noticeable.
Accrediting the technical expertise of the identifiers to carry out the diagnosis of all samples according to the morphological characteristics, which arrive at the Laboratory Unit (known in Spanish as UDI de GBC de COPEG).
Towards a Solution
The activity focuses on the diagnosis of all samples according to their morphological characteristics, which arrive at the Diagnosis and Identification Unit (UDI) Laboratory of COPEG's Screwworm Unit. These ISO certifications, therefore, attest to the Laboratory's ability to provide accurate results and the Organisation's capability to manage the quality of its products and services, as well as to meet the expectations of our beneficiaries.
The accreditation establishes a standard based on the technical competencies of the identifiers to perform the diagnosis, so any professional who follows the processes and receives recognition has the opportunity to participate in the UDI.
The expected impact is the contribution to the control and eradication of the disease, ensuring that reliable diagnosis allows for a timely response with targeted actions based on identifications by area or region. Additionally, it positions Panama as the headquarters of a reference centre with high-value professionals.
An annual satisfaction survey is conducted with beneficiaries as part of the process to validate the service. In the two years of accreditation, it has been approved and has resulted in the continuity of the certification.
A standard with parameters of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity has been established, allowing for measurement and the establishment of an efficiency norm.
This outcome strengthens the institutional capacities of COPEG, the Ministry of Agricultural Development, and other veterinary services in the region. This is achieved through capacity building with courses and training workshops, which have already been conducted, as well as by supporting and validating diagnoses in cases of doubt. COPEG has highly trained and committed personnel who, upon receiving recognition as a Reference Laboratory by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), also commit to maintaining the quality of service and offering it to all who require it, thereby contributing to ensuring healthy lives, promoting well-being for all, and preserving vital terrestrial ecosystems essential for sustaining human life.
Contact Information
Countries involved
Supported by
Implementing Entities
Project Status
Project Period
URL of the practice
Primary SDG
Primary SDG Targets
Secondary SDGs
Secondary SDG Targets
Similar Solutions
| NAME OF SOLUTION | Countries | SDG | Project Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme Establishing better working conditions for smallholder farmers through the use of good practices and new technologies |
Panama, United States of America | 08 - Decent Work and Economic Growth 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities 13 - Climate Action 15 - Life on Land | Ongoing | View Details |
ADELANTE Triangular Cooperation European Union – Latin America and the Caribbean |
Panama, United States of America | 10 - Reduced Inequalities | Ongoing | View Details |
African Agro-industry Inclusive Development through Bamboo Developing a green bamboo agro-industry for greater poverty alleviation and ecological protection in Rwanda |
Panama, United States of America | 05 - Gender Equality 09 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 13 - Climate Action 15 - Life on Land 17 - Partnerships for the Goals | --- | View Details |
Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture (AWLA) Fellowship Program Building female science power in the MENA region |
Panama, United States of America | 02 - Zero Hunger 06 - Clean Water and Sanitation 13 - Climate Action 15 - Life on Land 17 - Partnerships for the Goals | Completed | View Details |
Asian-Pacific Network for Testing of Agricultural Machinery Developing harmonized regional standards for testing agricultural machinery |
Panama, United States of America | 01 - No Poverty 08 - Decent Work and Economic Growth 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production 13 - Climate Action 15 - Life on Land 17 - Partnerships for the Goals | Completed | View Details |