Biochemia Medica, Vol. 27 No. 2, 2017.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2017.040
Evaluation of staff performance and interpretation of the screening program for prevention of thalassemia
Simaporn Prommetta
; Medical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Kanokwan Sanchaisuriya
; Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Goonnapa Fucharoen
; Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Supawadee Yamsri
; Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Attawut Chaiboonroeng
; Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Supan Fucharoen
; Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Abstract
IntroductionThalassemia screening program has been implemented for years in Southeast Asia, but no external quality assessment program has been established. We have developed and initiated the proficiency testing (PT) program for the first time in Thailand with the aim to assess the screening performance of laboratory staff and their competency in interpretation of the screening results. Materials and methodsThree PT cycles per year were organized. From the first to the third cycle of the PT scheme, a total number of participant laboratories increased from 59 to 67. In each cycle, 2 PT items (assigned as blood samples of the couple) were provided. Performance evaluation was based on the accuracy of screening results, i.e. mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and the dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) test for haemoglobin E, including the competency in interpretation of screening results and assessment of foetal risk. Performance was assessed by comparing the participants’ result against the assigned value. ResultsOf all 3 cycles, most laboratories reported acceptable MCV and MCH values. From the first to the third cycle, incorrect DCIP test and misinterpretation rates were decreased while incorrect risk assessment varied by cycle to cycle. Combining the accuracy of thalassemia screening and the competency in interpretation and risk assessment, approximately half of participants showed excellent performance. ConclusionImproved performance observed in many laboratories reflects the achievement and benefit of the PT program which should be regularly provided.
Keywords
laboratory proficiency testing; thalassemia; quality control
Hrčak ID:
183389
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2017.
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