African regional external quality assessment for CD4 T-cell enumeration: Development, outcomes, and performance of laboratories

Participation in an AFREQAS with feedback and remedial action improves the quality of CD4 testing. African laboratory professionals can easily master CD4 counting technologies. However, the introduction of the simplest and most cost-effective methodologies is required to take ownership, and enable the delivery of quality CD4 counts in vast numbers necessary to support expansion of African ART programs.