The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its 2023 Essential Diagnostics List (EDL), which is an evidence-based register of in vitro diagnostics (IVD) that supports countries to make national diagnostic choices.
This year’s list includes two firsts:
Inclusion of three tests for hepatitis E virus (HEV), including a rapid test to aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of HEV infection; and
Advice to include personal use glucose monitoring devices along with the medical recommendations for diabetes already in existence.
Other new tests added to the list include those for endocrine disorders; reproductive, maternal and new-born health; and cardiovascular health:
For endocrine disorders, two new tests were included: Parathyroid hormone as a laboratory-based test to aid in the evaluation of the causes of calcium homeostasis disorders and monitor the effects of treatment; and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone as a laboratory-based test to diagnose and monitor congenital adrenal hyperplasia outside of the neonatal period;
For reproductive, maternal and newborn health, the inclusion of two tests: Kleihauer-Betke acid-elution test as a general IVD for use in clinical laboratories to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of fetomaternal hemorrhage, and a point-of-care test to determine blood groups and Rhesus factor in the context of maternal healthcare and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn;
For cardiovascular health, the inclusion of high-sensitivity troponin I and T to aid in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in healthcare facilities with clinical laboratories.
