Q&A column, 6/17

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• Adcock Funk DM, Lippi G, Favaloro EJ. Quality standards for sample processing, transportation, and storage in hemostasis testing. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2012;38(6):576–585.

Dorothy M. Adcock, MD, Medical Director, Colorado Coagulation
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Englewood, Colo.

Q. I am employed at two different hospitals and we participate in the same proficiency testing challenges. Can I perform the testing on samples at one facility and then also perform them at the other facility I work at?

A. Each laboratory must have a proficiency testing policy that clearly prohibits interlaboratory communication until after the deadline for submission. In addition, each laboratory must have written procedures for the proper handling of proficiency testing specimens and the reporting of the results. Personnel who perform proficiency testing at multiple CAP sites must maintain confidentiality between the two organizations, just as patient confidentiality is protected. If possible, personnel should avoid analyzing the same proficiency testing samples from the same mailing at different laboratories to avoid the potential for interlaboratory communication. Due to strict prohibition of interlaboratory communication, proficiency testing results must be entered only at the physical site at which testing was performed. If personnel test the same proficiency testing specimens at more than one laboratory, they must carefully follow all proficiency testing policies and procedures and personally attest to the proper handling of the proficiency testing samples.

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Using Proficiency Testing and Alternative Assessment to Improve Medical Laboratory Quality, Third Edition (QMS24). Sept. 2016.
• Clinical laboratory improvement amendments of 1988; final rule. Fed Regist. 1992; 57(40):7146. USC 42 CFR §493.801(b).

Jean Hood, MBA, BS, MT(AMT), Inspection Services Team Lead CAP Accreditation Program, College of American Pathologists , Northfield, Ill.

Dr. Kiechle is a consultant, clinical pathology, Cooper City, Fla. Use the button above to submit your inquiries, or address them to Sherrie Rice, CAP TODAY, 325 Wau­ke­gan Road, Northfield, IL 60093; srice@cap.org. Those questions that are of general interest will be answered.