Proficiency Testing Website and Application of the Bureau of Drug and Narcotic

Abstract

      The Bureau of Drug and Narcotic provides profi ciency testing (PT) for pharmaceutical and narcotic analysis programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate competency of drug and narcotic testing laboratories for use as evidence to indicate the reliability of testing results. Initially, the bureau coordinated with drug and narcotic laboratories by sending formal letters via post and facsimile. It was found that there were problems of document loss, high cost of document preparation and distribution, difficulties with management, and storage of paper documents. In 2017-2018, website and application programs were implemented, respectively, to develop the document management for PT operations. Based on the website and application in PT operation during 2017–2020, the difference of cost of document preparation and distribution, paper and time consumption for document management between the use and non-use periods of the website was found to be statistically significant (paired sample t-test, p < 0.05). The difference of website satisfaction in each year (during 2017–2020) was not significant. The most satisfaction was noted for security system by using password. The profi ciency testing website and application programs have been found to promote convenient and rapid operations and reduce the operating cost. In addition, it can enhance contactless operations with environmental friendliness and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, promote good image and modernize the operation by using information technology in accordance with the Thailand 4.0 policy