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IN THIS ISSUE |
No. 129 August 2008 |
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CLMA Workshop: Seeing your Lab through a “Lean” Eye Cytology Patterns-of-Practice Survey: CYTO-0808-PP Discordant Findings Forms for Chemistry and Hematology Eye on OLA: OLA Requirements for Referral Laboratory Management, Section II.G 4th Annual McMaster Update in Thromboembolism Mycology Taxonomic Questionnaire: MYCO-0808 is coming August 18th Postponement of Scoring for Transfusion Medicine EQA Surveys Upcoming Bone Marrow Surveys: HEMA-0807-BM and HEMA-0807-BW
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Performance scores for qualitative Chemistry and Hematology External Quality Assessment (EQA) surveys by Jane Gun-Munro In April 2008, a performance score—the Percent Allowed Difference (PAD) score—was introduced for quantitative Chemistry and Hematology EQA surveys. An article published in the April edition of the QMP–LS News described the PAD score and rationale for use of performance scores in general and indicated that performance scores for qualitative surveys would follow. As of July 2008, a Qualitative Score (Q Score) for qualitative surveys where the result is a "binary" response (e.g. positive or negative, normal or abnormal, immune or susceptible) will be introduced for Chemistry and Hematology EQA surveys. Table 1 lists those surveys where the Q Score will be used. It is also being considered for use in applicable Virology EQA surveys.
How should the Q Score be interpreted? The Q Score is designed to mirror the PAD score in terms of definition, interpretation and presentation in survey reports. In the qualitative EQA surveys listed in Table 1, there are only two result options for the assigned value: positive or negative; normal or abnormal; immune or susceptible. Scores may be interpreted as follows:
Similar to PAD scores, repeated scores of ±125 and/or ±175 for any given test (e.g. on more than one sample in a survey or in consecutive surveys) may indicate that preventive or corrective action has been unsuccessful. QMP–LS will require participants with repeated scores to submit an investigation, which includes corrective action. In surveys where the participant is required to provide a numerical response and an interpretation, there may be a PAD score for the numerical result and a Q Score for the interpretation.
Removal of Q Score In the event that there is a problem with confidence in the integrity of the testing material or assignment of value, the Q Score will be removed from performance evaluation of the test in question. Survey Reports As with survey reports for quantitative surveys, the Q Score will be reported on the individual laboratory survey report. Similarly, cumulative survey reports for surveys with Q Scores will resemble those with PAD scores. They will also include an indication of any investigative action required by the participant. Benefits of Q Scores The benefits of Q Scores are the same as those for PAD scores and include comparability, objectivity, consistency and ability to be tracked. Please see the article in the April 2008 edition of QMP–LS News for more information on PAD scores. The Program Information for surveys listed in Table 1 will be updated and posted in the appropriate QView™ EQA Survey folders as this new scoring system is rolled out. Postponement of Scoring for Transfusion Medicine EQA Surveys The use of scoring for Transfusion Medicine External Quality Assessment (EQA) surveys has been postponed. The first survey in which scores will be applied is TMED-0811 in November 2008. Questions regarding Transfusion Medicine should be directed to Astrid Petersons via e-mail petersons@qmpls.org or telephone 416-323-9540 ext. 239. Discordant Findings Forms for Chemistry and Hematology A Microsoft Word version of these forms is now available in the Program Information of all Chemistry and Hematology Survey folders for use when performing an internal investigation of discordant findings, i.e. when a warning Percent Allowed Difference (PAD) or Qualitative Score (Q Score) is achieved. Questions regarding Chemistry should be directed to Sharon Webb via e-mail webb@qmpls.org or telephone 416-323-9540 ext. 237, and questions regarding Hematology should be directed to Anne Raby via e-mail raby@qmpls.org or telephone 416-323-9540 ext. 264. |
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