Global STI Surveillance is Built on Diagnostic Lab Speed, Accuracy, and Quality

Published by Eric Morreale, PhD on October 29, 2025 at 11:07 AM

Laboratory testing is essential for early identification of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If an infection is suspected, testing can limit transmission, reduce preventable complications, and identify atypical cases or multiple infections. Diagnostics are essential for the surveillance and research of STIs.

Molecular testing is the gold standard for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium. The World Health Organization recommends molecular-based testing as the first-line screening for HPV. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends NAATs for their sensitivity and specificity in detecting nucleic acids from STI pathogens.

With such a central role in the management of STIs, labs must ensure not only the speed of the STI results they deliver, but the quality of those results. An optimized workflow with strong quality controls is essential for improved turnaround times and operational efficiency, ensuring that patient care is never compromised.

Achieving these goals requires standardization, automation, effective communication, and a culture of continuous improvement. We’ll explore practical workflow recommendations and proven quality control strategies to help your lab operate at peak performance.

Streamline & standardize processes for consistency

Every successful laboratory operation begins with clearly defined processes. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are crucial for reliable and reproducible results.

Process optimization strategies:

Develop and document SOPs for every laboratory procedure, from sample collection to final reporting, to reduce variability.
Embrace process mapping to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, or manual tasks that can be eliminated or automated.
Apply Lean principles that reduce waste and unnecessary steps and shorten turnaround times.
Design a well-organized lab layout to boost sample flow, facilitate collaboration, and minimize errors.

Leverage automation to improve workflow

Automation is a necessity for diagnostic labs. Labs striving to strengthen accuracy, throughput, and staff efficiency should consider automating routine tasks, which frees up skilled staff for complex diagnostic activities.

Automation strategies:

Automate sample preparation and analysis to streamline specimen handling and improve standardization.
Incorporate liquid handlers and robotic systems to produce consistent sample measurements and processing with minimal downtime.
Rely on Laboratory Information Management Systems to provide seamless data tracking and enhance sample traceability.

Build a culture of quality

Quality control (QC) is the foundation for delivering accurate, reliable laboratory results. A well-structured QC program helps laboratories detect errors early, meet accreditation standards, and protect patient care.

Best-in-class quality control strategies:

Develop internal quality controls to safeguard accuracy through regular equipment calibration and maintenance, and control materials.
Use external quality assurance and proficiency testing to set objective performance benchmarks and highlight areas for improvement.
Include third-party controls to complement manufacturer-supplied controls for higher reliability.
Identify issues to reduce errors and improve corrective response times with real-time monitoring and AI-driven analytics.

The sensitivity and complexity of NAAT-based STI testing mean that relying solely on manufacturer-provided controls can limit the ability to detect subtle variations in performance. ISO 15189 specifically recommends the use of independent, third-party controls for ongoing quality monitoring. This practice strengthens confidence in result accuracy and helps monitor for reagent, equipment, or workflow variability that could compromise test integrity.

High specificity begins with the antigens that developers of assays and quality controls use. Discover the benefits of Native Antigen’s high-specificity STI antigens.

Promote data integrity and traceability

Accessible and traceable data is at the heart of laboratory quality management. Digital tools are increasingly replacing paper records, as they offer searchable and secure document storage.

Effective data management strategies:

Gain greater traceability of samples, results, and quality control data with a Laboratory Information Management System
Provide real-time feedback to help identify and resolve workflow issues quickly using integrated monitoring tools.
Adopt a centralized data platform to strengthen communication, facilitate informed decision-making, and ensure compliance with HIPAA, CLIA, and other relevant regulations.

Empower your team

Even the most sophisticated systems rely on skilled personnel for success. Open communication and comprehensive training are essential to building a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Staff support strategies:

Share information, updates, and urgent notices using clear communication channels.
Keep staff up to date on new technologies, regulatory changes, and best practices through ongoing training programs.
Solicit staff feedback to identify training needs and opportunities for workflow improvement.
Commit to staff professional development for greater technical expertise and job satisfaction.

Champion the values of continuous improvement

Leading diagnostic labs never settle for the status quo. A culture of continuous improvement, which includes regular assessments and proactive problem-solving, makes sure your lab remains efficient, compliant, and meets the evolving demands of healthcare.

Continuous improvement strategies:

Perform routine internal audits to identify process gaps, assess compliance, and push corrective actions.
Determine performance metrics to track key indicators, including turnaround times and error rates.
Develop feedback loops to engage staff in recognizing areas for improvement and implementing practical solutions.
Plan for scalability that allows workflow, automation, and data systems to scale without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

Optimize workflow and quality for sustainable success

Millions of people worldwide acquire STIs each year, and diagnostics are critical to protect public health and ensure better patient outcomes. The asymptomatic nature of many STIs makes efficient, high-quality testing vital. Meeting those demands requires thoughtful workflow design, strategic automation, and a dogged commitment to quality control.

Molecular testing workflows exemplify the need for this balance between precision and efficiency. Optimizing these workflows ensures that labs can meet the clinical demand and the highest quality standards.

Laboratory directors and clinical teams can advance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance while supporting optimal patient care. With standardized processes, advanced technology, rigorous quality control practices, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Download our white paper, Diagnostic Labs’ Impact on Global STI Surveillance and Public Health.