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Centers for Disease Control performance evaluation program in bacteriology: 1980 to 1985 review
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Bacteriology labs found identifying gram-positive and gram-negative cocci easiest in a 1980-1985 CDC performance evaluation. Difficulties were noted with anaerobes and bacilli, highlighting the need for improved lab proficiency and quality control.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Clinical diagnostics
- Bacteriology
Background:
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) established a performance evaluation program in bacteriology.
- This program aimed to assess and improve the accuracy of bacterial identification in participating laboratories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze bacteriology laboratory performance data from 1980 to 1985.
- To identify bacterial groups and species that posed the greatest identification challenges.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of identification results from 750-1,000 laboratories over a 6-year period.
- Categorization of identification accuracy into five levels.
- Evaluation of performance across six major bacterial groups and selected species.
Main Results:
- Laboratories demonstrated the highest proficiency in identifying gram-positive and gram-negative cocci.
- Greater challenges were observed in the identification of anaerobes, gram-positive bacilli, and miscellaneous gram-negative bacteria.
- Identification of Enterobacteriaceae was of moderate difficulty.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial identification accuracy is influenced by species characteristics, prevalence, available technology, and laboratory quality control.
- External proficiency testing programs offer valuable insights for laboratories to address identified deficiencies.
- Continuous improvement in laboratory practices is essential for accurate bacteriological diagnostics.