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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.
Register now for the upcoming virtual course Protection from Risk running November 15–29, 2021.
This is a six-hour seminar delivered virtually in three segments to learn with peers exactly how to integrate an effective risk management program into an existing or brand-new quality management system.
Annually on September 17, World Patient Safety Day is marked, bringing together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, health care leaders and policymakers to show their commitment to patient safety. This day of recognition was established in 2019 to enhance understanding of patient safety, increase public engagement in the safety of health care and promote global actions to improve patient safety and reduce patient harm.
Due to planned maintenance, QView.ca and IQMH.org websites will not be available from 6:00 a.m. (ET) on Saturday, September 18, 2021 until 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, September 19, 2021.
IQMH Proficiency Testing Programs are accredited by The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17043:2010 Conformity assessment — General requirements for proficiency testing (Certificate Number: 3059.01).
IQMH is seeking volunteers to sit on its Proficiency Testing Scientific Committee(s), effective January 1, 2022. Membership on committees consists of a three-year term of office, renewable once. Committees meet an average of four times a year for half-day or full-day meetings.
Marked annually on June 9, World Accreditation Day is a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to raise awareness of the value of accreditation.
The increase in cybercrime in not uncommon in the current climate; particularly the hijacking of a corporation or an organization’s network being held ransom for a payout via ransomware. What may seem surprising is that the focus of cyber criminals is not always large corporations. In fact, there is a growing trend in health care organizations and systems being targeted. One recent example is the attack on the Health Service Executive of Ireland in May 2021, which affected both national and local systems that are involved in all core services.
IQMH Proficiency Testing is proud to share this article prepared and authored by Tamara Ashfield, Elizabeth McCready, Mary Shago, Hong Wang, Elizabeth Sinclair‐Bourque, Eva Cappa, Amanda Piche Marolt, Kathy Chun
ABSTRACT
To survey patterns of practice in Canadian cytogenetics laboratories and evaluate whether newer technologies have influenced testing algorithms for the detection of common aneuploidies and other genomic imbalances in the prenatal and perinatal settings.
IQMH Proficiency Testing is thrilled to share this article prepared and authored by: Angela C. Rutledge (lead author), Anna Johnston, Dana Bailey, Ronald A. Booth Pamela Edmond, Victor Leung, Kika Veljkovic
Testing for renin and aldosterone in clinical laboratories is complicated by pre-analytical considerations such as the posture for blood collection and susceptibility to cryoactivation of renin. From an analytical perspective, there are both renin activity and renin mass or concentration assays available. There can also be variability in result reporting practices and the aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) cut-off applied to screen for primary aldosteronism (PA). The Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) Centre for Proficiency Testing surveyed laboratories on their handling of renin and aldosterone testing to better understand current practices.
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.
Authors: Elaine Leung, Anna Johnston, Brian Olsen, Hong Chang, Tracy Martin, Miranda Wozniak, David Good
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.
The Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (an affiliate of Accreditation Canada) is seeking two professionals to join the Proficiency Testing team.
Director, Proficiency Testing Permanent Full-time with benefits
Consultant Technologist, Microbiology Contract
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.
Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare
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Phone: 416-323-9540 Toll-free: 1-877-323-9540 Fax: 416-323-9324
Email: info@iqmh.org
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