Performance Improvement in Microbiology Laboratory

MLAB 2434 – Microbiology Keri Brophy-Martinez

Terminology

“Quality Control” has always been a part of the clinical laboratory, but had been used exclusively for analytical activities. QC is designated to ensure the medical reliability of lab data.

We now know that we must analyze pre-analytical, analytical, and postanalytical activities and the terminology is NOW called “Performance Improvement” (PI)

Indicators/Monitors of Performance Improvement

Process Monitors Results are complied and evaluated routinely,

allows for identification of disruptions Outcome Monitors

Measurements as a result of processes Focus Monitors

Initiated in response to a suspected problem Benchmarking

Seeking an industry’s or profession’s best practices

Helps provide a starting point for improvement

Terminology

Quality Assurance (QA) is defined as taking measures to ensure high quality patient care. Involves monitoring all parts of a system and implementing changes when suboptimal performance is identified

Terminology (cont’d)

Preanalytical StageTest orderingOrder transcriptionPatient preparationSpecimen collectionSpecimen identificationSpecimen transport

Terminology (cont’d)

Analytical StageSample testing

Postanalytical StageResult transcriptionResult deliveryResult reviewAction taken on basis of result

Quality Control Procedures

Daily temperature checks NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology) Thermometer calibration (once when received from

manufacturer)

Equipment preventive maintenance program – includes routine maintenance such as oiling, cleaning, replacing filters, etc.

Quality Control Procedures (cont’d) All prepared media must be quality controlled

prior to use If media is purchased, can rely on manufacturer’s

QC, but lab must obtain a statement of quality control from manufacturer

All shipments should be inspected as it comes to lab

HOWEVER, chocolate and selective agars for Neisseria and Campylobacter MUST be rechecked by lab

Test media using ATCC strains Records maintained for 2 years Reagents should be QC’ed on each day of use,

new lot numbers, and/or with each test run

In-House Media QC log

Media Tracking Log

Quality Control Procedures (cont’d)

Antimicrobial Susceptibility QC Personnel Competency –

proficiency testing is one way this can be assured (CLIA requires this)

Continuing Education QC Manual – must be reviewed

and signed at least annually

References

Mahon, C. R., Lehman, D. C., & Manuselis, G. (2011). Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (4th ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Saunders.