Quality control of laboratory detection of syphilis in Zhejiang

Objective To understand the current status of laboratory detection of syphilis in Zhejiang province and provide evidence for the improvement of the capability of laboratory test. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in 345 syphilis detection laboratories. Results Syphilis detection training was conducted in 274 laboratories (79.42%); 294 laboratories were equipped horizontal rotating apparatus for syphilis detection, 41 laboratories (11.88%) still used oscillator or manual tool to mix the reagent and samples; 333 laboratories (96.52%) conducted both treponemal and non-treponemal serologic tests. The syphilis reporting quality was higher in laboratories of special hospitals than in other laboratories. Less laboratories conducted internal quality control in both the specific and non-specific detections, especially the non-specific detection (38.84%). Conclusion The performance of syphilis detection needs to be improved in Zhejiang. It is necessary to strengthen the quality control of laboratory detection of syphilis and staff training to support the sexually transmitted disease diagnosis/treatment, epidemiologic surveillance and scientific research.