Internal auditing is a core element of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP). As an accredited GCLP laboratory, the HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) at UKZN has always placed strong emphasis on internal auditing, with this becoming even more crucial since it started conducting clinical trials.
Ms Zenele Mncube, HPP’s Quality Coordinator, has spent the last couple of years establishing and training a team of internal auditors. A range of different audits has been undertaken, including Health and Safety, Biorepository, Specimen Reception, Policies and Procedures, and various clinic and laboratory processes. These internal audits are crucial preparation for external audits which occur on an annual basis.
When faced with an audit, especially over-the-shoulder observations, auditees often become anxious that the auditors are “out to get them” and will pin point every mistake. Critical to the success of the HPP Internal Audit team has been breaking this ‘policing’ mindset through communication and regular training on the role and importance of internal auditing. It is important to the team that audits are seen as an opportunity to improve processes and efficiency and they have succeeded in achieving this.
Last year, the internal audit team participated in a four-day workshop on internal auditing hosted by Ms. Mercy Mshai, Senior Lab QA Specialist from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). The training, which included a practical assignment, was very beneficial and enabled the team to improve its knowledge and skills.
Words: UKZNDABA
Caption: The HPP Internal Audit Team.