INTRODUCTION Ethiopia achieved a rapid expansion of TB microscopic centers for acid fast bacilli (AFB). However, external quality assurance (EQA) services were, until recently, limited to few regional and sub-regional laboratories. In this paper, we describe the decentralization experience and the result of EQA using random blinded rechecking. MATERIALS AND METHODS The routine EQA quarterly r...

STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy and practicality of the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES; Advanced Brain Monitoring; Carlsbad, CA), a limited-channel system for diagnosing sleep apnea/hypopnea in the home. DESIGN Prospective randomized study with blinded analysis. SETTINGS Two independent, community-based, sleep-disorders centers and the participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS Two h...

N. FENELON, P. DELY, M. A. KATZ, N. D. SCHAAD, A. DISMER, D. MORAN, F. LARAQUE AND R. M. WALLACE* Department of Epidemiology and Laboratory Research, Port-au-Prince, Haiti Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Reconstruction Team, Port-au-Prince, Haiti Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

In Japan, each prefecture in collaboration with regional core centers is required to train hepatitis medical care coordinators (HMCCs). this study, we surveyed the present status of HMCCs 17 71 centers. The findings indicated that number varied from 8 77 per center. proportion who actively contributed patient also 7.9% 100%. Among HMCCs, 50% were nurses, 11% clinical laboratory technicians, 8.0...

INTRODUCTION Logistics management information system for health commodities remained poorly implemented in most of developing countries. To assess the status of laboratory logistics management information system for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis laboratory commodities in public health facilities in Addis Ababa. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from September 2010-January ...

CONTEXT Tests that are performed outside of the ordering institution, send-out tests, represent an area of risk to patients because of complexity associated with sending tests out. Risks related to send-out tests include increased number of handoffs, ordering the wrong or unnecessary test, specimen delays, data entry errors, preventable delays in reporting and acknowledging results, and excess ...

BACKGROUND Few published data exist for adherence rates to spirometry acceptability and repeatability criteria in clinical respiratory laboratories. This study quantified adherence levels in this setting and observed changes in adherence levels as a result of feedback and ongoing training. METHODS Two tertiary hospital-based, lung function laboratories (L1 and L2) participated. Approximately ...

CONTEXT Complex coagulation test panels ordered by clinicians are typically reported to clinicians without a patient-specific interpretive paragraph. OBJECTIVES To survey clinicians regarding pathologist-generated interpretations of complex laboratory testing panels and to assess the ability of the interpretations to educate test orderers. DESIGN Surveys were conducted of physicians orderin...

Received September 18, 2007, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois USA (J.S.A.); Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Harbor, Michigan USA (J.B.F.); Spectrum Research, Inc, Tacoma, Washington USA (A.C.S.); Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food...

should educate health-care providers to recognize unusual illnesses that might indicate release of a chemical agent. Strategies for responding to intentional chemical releases include (1) providing information or reminders to health-care providers and clinical laboratories; (2) encouraging reporting of acute poisonings to local poison control centers, which can guide patient management and faci...