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Use of Proficiency Testing as a Tool to Improve Quality in Microbiology Laboratories

Heather L Stang1, Nancy L Anderson1

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter
|January 5, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Proficiency testing (PT) is mandated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations. Laboratory professionals recognize PT

Area of Science:

  • Clinical laboratory science
  • Microbiology
  • Public health laboratory services

Background:

  • Proficiency testing (PT) is essential for evaluating laboratory performance and ensuring test result accuracy.
  • The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988 mandates PT participation for all microbiology subspecialties.
  • Specific PT requirements are detailed within CLIA regulations for each subspecialty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the perceived value and utilization of PT beyond mandatory Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) compliance.
  • To understand laboratory professionals' perspectives on the benefits and challenges associated with proficiency testing.
  • To gather insights from diverse laboratory settings regarding proficiency testing practices.

Main Methods:

  • Convening seven focus groups with 60 laboratory professionals.
  • Participants represented various clinical and public health laboratories, including different microbiology subspecialties.
  • Focus groups were funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a cooperative agreement with the Association of Public Health Laboratories.

Main Results:

  • Participants acknowledged PT's necessity for meeting regulatory requirements (CLIA).
  • Many professionals identified benefits of PT that extend beyond regulatory compliance.
  • Several challenges associated with implementing and managing PT were also reported by participants.

Conclusions:

  • Proficiency testing offers value to laboratories beyond fulfilling regulatory obligations.
  • Understanding these additional benefits and challenges can inform improvements in PT programs.
  • Further investigation into optimizing PT for laboratory quality assurance is warranted.

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