scholarly journals Improving the quality of malaria diagnosis in southern Africa through the development of a regional malaria slide bank

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhavani Moodley ◽  
Anderson Chinorumba ◽  
Cheryl Hamman ◽  
Avhatakali Matamba ◽  
Chadwick H. Sikaala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Proficiency Testing ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Southern Africa Development Community ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Background A malaria slide bank (MSB) is a useful asset for any malaria microscopy testing laboratory to have access to. However, it is not feasible for every country to have its own MSB. If countries are able to pool their resources, a regional MSB is a viable solution. This paper describes the methodology, costing and lessons learnt of establishing and maintaining an MSB over a 3-year period, for a Southern Africa Development Community region. Methods A national reference laboratory in South Africa was granted funding for setting up the MSB; it possessed experienced staff and suitable resources. Two additional full-time personnel were employed to carry out the activities of this project. Strict protocols for donor/patient blood sample screening, smear preparation, mass staining, quality control and slide validation were followed. Slides from the MSB were used for training and proficiency testing purposes. The initial and recurrent yearly costs to set up and maintain the MSB were calculated. Results Over 35 months, 154 batches (26,623 slides) were prepared; the majority were Plasmodium falciparum. Ninety-two percent (141/154) of batches passed internal quality control, and 89% (93/104) passed external validation. From these slides, two training slide sets and six proficiency testing slide sets were sent out. The initial year’s cost to establish an MSB was calculated at approximately $165,000, and the recurrent year-on-year cost was $130,000. Conclusions The key components for maintaining a high-quality MSB are consistent funding, competent staff and adherence to standardized protocols. Travel to malaria-endemic areas for access to non-falciparum malaria species, and dilution of P. falciparum blood to desired parasite densities, are extremely useful to ensure variety. The MSB created here supported multiple laboratories in eight countries, and has the potential to expand.

Proficiency testing as a tool for implementing internal quality control: the case of ochratoxin A in cocoa powder

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 349-355
Author(s):  
C. Brera ◽  
S. Grossi ◽  
F. Debegnach ◽  
B. De Santis ◽  
V. Minardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
Proficiency Testing ◽  
Internal Quality Control ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Cocoa Powder

Applying The Best Practice For Internal Quality Control (IQC) Management, Consolidation And Review Process In Sidra Medicine Clinical Chemistry Division

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S91-S91
Author(s):  
J M Asinas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Internal Quality Control ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Allowable Error ◽  
Chemistry Division ◽  
Set Up ◽  
High Level

Abstract Introduction/Objective The management of internal quality control (IQC) in Sidra Medicine Clinical Chemistry Division has been evaluated in order to promote a more consolidated and efficient process of IQC management. The statistical data produced from Cerner QC Module are transferred to IQC review templates consisting of formulas to auto- calculate parameters such as multiple of expected QC failure frequency and desirable comparison limit between analyzers. The IQC review and documentation process using the in-house excel template requires several hours to complete, hence a faster and more efficient IQC management module is required. The main objective of this study is to improve the initial IQC management set up, work flow and review procedures and to implement Biorad Unity Real Time (URT) program to develop a more efficient IQC management system. Methods The URT software has been recently configured and implemented to consolidate and streamline IQC management. URT is built through Sidra Medicine IT Enterprise level which allows multiple users to login. IQC data are downloaded using scripts from Cerner which are filtered through Biorad Unity Connect (UC) software. Additional quality tools are also explored such as various user defined statistical reports, IQC analysis using peer reviewed total allowable error (TeA) and assignment of the most appropriate Westgard rules. Determination of sigma metrics and uncertainty of measurement is also performed using the URT application. Results The generation of any IQC report is less cumbersome and time consuming as compared with the previous process. However, some user defined formulas in the IQC templates are not found on the URT reports. The URT Levey Jennings chart are also more user friendly and directly compares the daily IQC data with Unity inter-laboratory peers enabling the production of instant and monthly reports through QCNet site when assay investigation is required and for IQC report documentation. Conclusion The combination of Cerner IQC, Unity Real-time, QCNet Inter-laboratory reports and in house IQC templates produce a high level and very detailed IQC review which effectively evaluate assay performance to assist on IQC troubleshooting and root cause analysis to be able to apply the most appropriate corrective actions.

Inappropriate calibration and optimisation of pan-keratin (pan-CK) and low molecular weight keratin (LMWCK) immunohistochemistry tests: Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control (CIQC) experience

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Copete ◽  
John Garratt ◽  
Blake Gilks ◽  
Dragana Pilavdzic ◽  
Richard Berendt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Quality Control ◽  
Proficiency Testing ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Great Majority ◽  
Epithelial Differentiation ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Positive Controls

AimsPan-cytokeratin (pan-CK) and low molecular weight cytokeratin (LMWCK) tests are the most common immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests used to support evidence of epithelial differentiation. Canadian Immunohistochemistry Quality Control (CIQC), a new provider of proficiency testing for Canadian clinical IHC laboratories, has evaluated the performance of Canadian IHC laboratories in two proficiency testing challenges for both pan-CK and LMWCK.MethodsCIQC has designed a 70-sample tissue microarray (TMA) for challenge 1 and a 30-sample TMA for challenge 2. There were 13 participants in challenge 1, and 62 in challenge 2. All results were evaluated and scored by CIQC assessors and compared with reference laboratory results.ResultsParticipating laboratories often produced false-negative results that ranged from 20% to 80%. False-positive results were also detected. About half of participating clinical laboratories have inappropriately calibrated IHC tests for pan-CK and LMWCK, which are the most commonly used markers for demonstration of epithelial differentiation. The great majority of laboratories were not aware of the problem with calibration of pan-CK and LMWCK tests because of inappropriate selection of external positive controls and samples for optimisation of these tests. Benign liver and kidney are the most important tissues to include as positive controls for both pan-CK and LMWCK.ConclusionsParticipation in external quality assurance is important for peer comparison and proper calibration of IHC tests, which is also helpful for appropriate selection of positive control material and material for optimisation of the tests.

ANALISIS BEBAN KERJA DENGAN METODE FULL TIME QUIVALENT UNTUK MENGOPTIMALKAN KINERJA PADA BAGIAN PRODUKSI DI ERLANGGA KONVEKSI, MALANG

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-59
Author(s):  
Irgi Achmad Fahrezy ◽  
ST. Salmia L. A ◽  
Soemanto Soemanto
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Full Time Equivalent

Pertumbuhanydan permintaan akan sandang yangysemakin meningkat menuntutbperusahan konveksi untuk memiliki tingkat produktifitas yang tinggi, dimana proses ini dapat dilakukan dengan cara meningkatkanbproduktifitas karyawannya. Erlangga Konveksi adalah salah satu perusahaan konveksi yang berdiri tahun 2010. Masalah yang terjadi di Erlangga Konveksi adalah tidak seimbangnya waktu proses produksi pada tiap stasiun kerja yang menyebabkan terjadinya penambahan jumlahpwaktu kerja dan menyebabkan penumpukanfdan banyak kegiatan dari operator yang menghabiskantwaktu dimana operator banyak melakukan kegiatan di luar dari stasiun kerja mereka sendiri untuk membantu operator di stasiun kerja lainya. Untuk itu perlu dilakukan pengukuran beban kerja sebagai dasar perhitungan kebutuhan tenaga kerja yang sesuai pada bagian produksi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode Full Time Equivalent. Hasil pengukuran menunjukkan beban kerja adalah sebesar 0,33 pada operator gambar pola; 0,29 pada operator  pemotongan 1; 0,31 pada operator pemotongan 2; 0,21 pada operator sablon 1 dan 2; 0,22 pada operator press sablon; 1,24 pada operator jahit obras 1; 1,27 padaooperator jahit obras 2; 0,34 pada operator jahit rantai; 0,25 pada operator cutting sebelumnoverdeck; 0,55 pada operator overdeck 1 dan 2; 0,57 pada operator overdeck 3; 0,18 pada operator quality control 1 dan 2; 0,14 pada operator steam; 0,42 pada operatorpsetrika dan 0,20 pada operator packaging. Berdasarkan beban kerja yang telah dihitung pada masing-masing operatorybagian produksi Erlangga Konveksi, Malang, jumlah tenaga optimal pada bagian produksi adalah sebanyak 7 orang yang terbagi ke dalam 7 stasiun kerja.

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