Journal of clinical microbiology
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J. Clin. Microbiol. · Nov 2007
Mechanisms to assess Gram stain interpretation proficiency of technologists at satellite laboratories.
To 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. ⋯ 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.