IQMH brings together experts in the field of laboratory medicine to elevate confidence in the healthcare system.

The IQMH Proficiency Testing Scientific Committees are composed of physicians, technologists and scientists who provide advice to IQMH regarding the fundamental design of Proficiency Testing surveys and ensure that clinically-relevant selection of challenges and appropriate performance evaluation are developed and implemented each year.

​We’re so excited to launch this new, client-focused, quarterly publication for our Proficiency Testing (PT) clients! Proficiency Testing Connect is your one-stop-shop for all things PT! 

Our goal is to provide you with timely and insightful information to help elevate your understanding of the company’s philosophy and future outlook. We welcome you to our table by giving you a specific channel where you can find important program-related materials, scientific articles, educational resources, quality-related stories, valuable tips on the effective use of QView™, and so much more!

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) possesses a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. Mutations of this genome may occur over time, and while these changes are not unexpected, specific mutations may alter important characteristics of the virus. When viral genomic changes are associated with potential altered transmission, virulence, or vaccine efficacy, they may be identified as a particular SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC). Currently, there are three commonly discussed VOCs.

IQMH is proud to recognize the many accomplishments of medical diagnostic professionals across the country. Medical laboratory professionals play a pivotal role in providing quality patient care. The demands are high and the important work that takes place behind the scenes is critical in guiding medical decisions about patient health. Having various specializations within the profession, medical laboratory professionals are trained with the specific knowledge and skills to perform their individual roles. We thank you for your dedication and resilience!

Due to planned maintenance, QView.ca and IQMH.org websites will not be available from 6:00 a.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 10, 2021 until 9:00 p.m. (ET). 

Authors: Elaine Leung, Anna Johnston, Brian Olsen, Hong Chang, Tracy Martin, Miranda Wozniak, David Good

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Examination of a blood film is the second most common hematology test, after the complete blood count. Interpretation of a peripheral blood film by trained laboratory professionals provides valuable diagnostic information. The Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) Hematology Scientific Committee developed a questionnaire to gather information regarding current practices for manual blood film review and reporting from laboratories participating in IQMH Morphology proficiency testing (PT) surveys.

Please join us in extending our best wishes to IQMH President, Jeff Sumner, who is retiring on March 31, 2021. Jeff has been leading IQMH since 2017 and has dedicated his career to improving the quality of medical laboratories across the country for many years.

Consultant Technologist – Microbiology (Contract)

The Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) (an affiliate of Accreditation Canada) is a provider of world-class medical laboratory proficiency testing (PT) programs. IQMH is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing medical laboratories' quality infrastructure through its proficiency testing programs. Our clients are composed of national and international players in the medical diagnostic testing sector. IQMH's Centre for Proficiency Testing provides PT programs for medical laboratories in the following disciplines: chemistry, hematology, endocrinology, immunology, transfusion medicine, pathology, cytopathology, genetics, microbiology, and virology disciplines.

Have you been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

As frontline healthcare workers with increasing demands in the workplace, attention to mental health is as important now as ever before. Empowering yourself with the tools to maintain a healthy mindset can benefit overall social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.

As much as we might want to, 2020 has been a year that none of us are likely to forget. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global social and economic disruption, cancellations and postponements of events, travel restrictions, and lockdowns across the world. Today, the pressure on our Canadian healthcare systems has never been greater with daily case numbers continuing to rise, increasing hospital admissions, and ICU bed occupancy reaching critical capacity levels.

In 2021, the Immunology (IMGY) survey will assess CRP (C-reactive Protein), high sensitivity (hs-CRP), and wide-range (wr)CRP assays as a single analyte (CRP). Previously, the IMGY survey targeted low values of CRP, which were best analyzed by hs-CRP assays. Newer immunoassays can measure a broad analytical range of CRP concentrations, and the number of laboratories replacing hs-CRP assays with full range CRP assays continues to increase. In order to assess the full range of clinically-encountered CRP values, the IMGY survey will now offer a range of CRP concentrations (0.1–120.0 mg/L). Assessments will continue to be made by all-methods’ mean.