Facilitators present key practices related to the pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing during the training. Photo credit: WHO/WHO Egypt 13 May 2026, Cairo, Egypt – From patient preparation to sample collection and handling, every step before laboratory testing begins helps determine if the result can be trusted. To strengthen procedures carried out before a sample is tested, more than 80 laboratory officers from 17 governorates across Egypt participated in an intensive 4-day training on the pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing. Implemented by WHO Egypt in collaboration with the Central Public Health Laboratories at the Ministry of Health and Population, and with support from the Pandemic Fund, the training marked the completion of the second phase of a joint national initiative to strengthen laboratory quality management systems in public health laboratories across Egypt. The pre-analytical phase includes all procedures carried out before a sample is tested, including...