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Updated: May 12, 2026

Aseptic Laboratory Techniques: Volume Transfers with Serological Pipettes and Micropipettors
Published on: May 31, 2012
Applying the Bookmark method to medical education: standard setting for an aseptic technique station
Monica L Lypson1, Steven M Downing, Larry D Gruppen
1University of Michigan Medical School and Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. mlypson@umich.edu
Introduction:
The purpose was to evaluate the Bookmark standard-setting method for use on a performance-based assessment in medical education.
Methods:
We compared cutscores for Aseptic performance assessment using the modified Angoff, Hofstee and modified Bookmark methods.
Results:
The Angoff produced a cutscore of 62%, SD=18 and a percent passing (pp)= 64%. The Hofstee cutscore was 71%, SD=7 and pp=46%. Bookmark mean cutscores were 65.9% SD=10.7 and pp=42% for advanced beginners; 83.6%, SD=9.2 and pp=17% for competent and the proficient category resulted in a cutscore of 96.4% SD=3.9 and pp=1%. Faculty judges found the Bookmark method to be an easy and acceptable method.
Conclusions:
The Bookmark method was acceptable to faculty, has reasonable quality metrics when compared to other methods and can be a practical tool for establishing standards in performance-based examinations. The Bookmark method could be useful for establishing multiple levels of competency using the Dreyfus criteria.
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