• Erik Munson, Timothy Block, Janice Basile, Jeanne E Hryciuk, and Ronald F Schell.
• Midwest Clinical Laboratories, Wauwatosa, WI 53226, USA. Erik.Munson@wfhc.org
• J. Clin. Microbiol. 2007 Nov 1; 45 (11): 3754-8.

AbstractTo address Gram stain interpretation proficiency in a satellite/centralized microbiology laboratory paradigm, two programs were devised. In quality assurance program 1, nonmicrobiology technologists at satellite laboratories were required to interpret standardized Gram-stained specimens of clinical material prepared by an experienced microbiologist at a central laboratory. In quality assurance program 2, clinical Gram stains prepared and read by the satellite laboratorians were reviewed by experienced microbiologists at the central laboratory. Satisfactory performance (94%) was achieved in quality assurance program 1. In contrast, quality assurance program 2 had a significantly lower overall performance (89%; P < 0.0001) due to poorer identification of host cells (93%) and bacteria (84%). A variety of intervention mechanisms, including continuous monitoring, resulted in overall performance improvement (P < or = 0.006). While a technologist challenge has educational merit, having a microbiologist review previously read slides is a better indicator of the technologist's Gram stain interpretation proficiency.

7 keywords...

hide…