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.

In our continual effort to improve our services, the Morphology section of the IQMH Hematology Scientific Committee conducted a review of the Morphology analysis worksheet, and several improvement opportunities were identified.

The following changes have been made to the analysis worksheet to reflect information found in current guidelines and published literature and are also expected to better support the move forward with providing digital images for future surveys.