This is a companion article to the feature, “Peer-Reporting Programs for Lab Quality.”

Peer-reporting programs enable laboratories to compare their internal QC data to the findings from comparable peer-group laboratories, making it possible to evaluate and improve the quality of the analytical phase of their testing processes.1,2 Following is a step-by-step summary of how such peer-reporting programs work.

  1. An outside vendor supplies the laboratory with the QC materials used for daily QC processes. The laboratory performs daily QC and collects the results.
  2. Daily QC results are sent to the QC data comparison provider on a regular basis, for example, once a month. The results can be sent as a paper copy, electronically stored on a USB drive or other transferable format, or as a file via the Internet.
  3. The QC data comparison provider performs statistical calculations on the data received from the laboratory, and compares the findings with those from other laboratories using the same methods—the peer group.
  4. The calculations result in a number of reports from which the laboratory can select those that best meet its needs. The reports are delivered to the laboratory by mail or e-mail, or can be made available for downloading via the Internet.
  5. The laboratory evaluates the reports it receives, determines whether any corrective or preventive actions are required, and ensures that such actions are performed.

References

  1. Kee S. Data management in QC [online]. Medical Laboratory Observer (November 20, 2014). Available at: www.mlo-online.com/data-management-in-qc.php. Accessed August 23, 2017.
  1. Kristensen HB. Proficiency testing versus QC-data-comparison programs [online]. Brønshøj, Denmark: Radiometer, 2003. Available at: https://acutecaretesting.org/en/articles/proficiency-testing-versus-qcdatacomparison-programs. Accessed August 23, 2017.