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.