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Preordering Periodic Acid-Schiff Staining: A Quality Improvement Study.
Zachary J Wolner1,2, Danielle E Mustin1, Benjamin K Stoff1,2
1Department of Dermatology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; and.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|October 26, 2023
Summary
Reducing unnecessary Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains in dermatology biopsies can be achieved by refining ordering practices. This quality improvement initiative decreased PAS stain usage without impacting fungal infection identification rates.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Laboratory Medicine
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain is an ancillary test in dermatopathology, often used for inflammatory and infectious conditions.
- Previous research indicates that clinical suspicion and histopathology are unreliable predictors of PAS positivity.
- Current guidelines recommend PAS staining primarily for suspected dermatophyte infections.
Conclusions:
- Refining the criteria for ordering PAS stains can effectively reduce unnecessary laboratory utilization.
- This quality improvement strategy allows for decreased test ordering without compromising the detection of fungal infections.
- The described process serves as a replicable model for other laboratories seeking to optimize PAS stain usage.
