As part of a development plan a client wants to increase the analytical level of two laboratories in Egypt. One of the laboratories, located in the Nile Delta, is specialised in analysing water, soil, plant and nematode samples from local farmers. The laboratory is important for the area because they support the farmers in maintaining the crop yield of their farmland at a high level. The other smaller laboratory is located in Cairo and investigates the water quality from a sewage plant.
The project consisted of the following elements:
- Desktop study of the current situation at the laboratories using:
a. all current standard operating procedures and other procedures
b. an overview of all available analytical and supporting instruments
(date of purchase, type, maintenance, state, pictures, etc.)
c. floormaps of laboratories and infrastructure (pictures)
d. CV's of all staff members
- Evaluation and assessment of the Nile Delta laboratory; staff appraisal, training needs, improved laboratory lay-out, hardware and equipment list (including specifications, capacity and budget) for upgrading the laboratory (3 days visit)
- Evaluation and assessment of the Cairo laboratory (2 day visit);
- Advise on the internal organisation/sample intake, internal sample routing and storage system as well as the internal laboratory quality management system and ISO 17025 certification
- Development of a customized staff training and development plan consisting of 2 or 3 options/scenarios.
- A summary report with main findings on the above issues to be discussed with the client during the end of the mission
- A full report to be completed no later than two weeks after completion of the mission which will be discussed afterwards with the client. Intentionally the assessment phase will be followed by an improvement phase.
The full report, finalised in November, was enthusiastically received by the client. The management and laboratory staff supported the conclusions and recommendations laid down in the report and decided to implement the proposed changes.
