External Quality Assessment as a strategy for Chagas disease surveillance: a study in four municipalities of Pernambuco

BACKGROUND: Triatomines are hematophagous insects that act as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. External Quality Assessment (EQA) is a tool used for monitoring and improving taxonomic identification activities performed by the health laboratories in Brazil. METHODS: EQA were conducted in four municipalities in the state of Pernambuco. Boxes containing a panel of 12 adult Hemiptera specimens (male and female) were sent for species identification. RESULTS: The results revealed 68% accuracy, with difficulty for morphologically similar species, such as those of the genus Rhodnius. CONCLUSIONS: EQA is essential for monitoring laboratory performance, highlighting the need for ongoing training.