By Editor on 5/30/2018
By Julie Shaw, Danijela Konforte, Gayle Waite, Michael Knauer and Paul Yip

Introduction
Assays, especially those in clinical chemistry, are designed to measure analytes (i.e., the measurand) in the appropriate patient specimens. However, there is the potential for inaccurate analyte measurements when testing materials are different from patient specimens. Examples include quality control (QC) material, proficiency testing (PT) material, and other types of patient specimens such as body fluids.

This survey is the only one of its type in Ontario and in Canada, surveying all laboratories in the jurisdiction to gather information of laboratory and infection control practices related to the control of antimicrobial resistant organisms (AROs). As the only questionnaire that was consistently administered for years, it provided a reliable, annual update of information on ARO, and the ability to examine trends over time.

Ferritin is a key laboratory test used to measure iron status. Findings from a recent questionnaire on ferritin testing was presented by Anna Johnston at the Ontario Society of Clinical Chemists Annual Scientific Meeting on Thursday, October 27.

Alexander Kumaritakis, Proficiency Testing Consultant Technologist, Chemistry

Alex joined the IQMH Proficiency Testing team in September 2022 as a Consultant Technologist. Prior to IQMH, he worked at the Toronto East Health Network in multiple departments as a Core Lab MLT (Chemistry, Hematology, and Transfusion Medicine) before becoming a senior staff in hematology and microbiology.

This year we celebrated Canadian Patient Safety Week (CPSW) 2022 from October 24–28, with the theme “Press play on Safety Conversations”. It focused on safer care of older adults through safety conversations and actions, and encouraged healthcare professionals to think differently about safety, and to ask questions, listen, and act accordingly.

Together with our affiliate, Accreditation Canada, we celebrated the annual Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT) Week from November 6–12, 2022, in honour of the essential role that MRTs play in the healthcare system.

Due to planned maintenance, QView™ and IQMH websites will not be available starting 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, September 16, 2022, until Sunday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).

IQMH is pleased to share this article prepared and authored by: Angela C. Rutledge (lead author), Anna Johnston, Ronald A. Booth, Kika Veljkovic, Dana Bailey, Hilde Vandenberghe, Gayle Waite, Lynn C. Allen, Andrew Don-Wauchope, Pak Cheung Chan, Julia Stemp, Pamela Edmond, Victor Leung, Berna Aslan.

Lot verification practices in Ontario clinical chemistry laboratories — Results of a patterns-of-practice survey.

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. IQMH is grateful for the commitment and support of the medical laboratory community and appreciates all the volunteers who donate their time and valuable expertise to our programs.

Register now and join Accreditation Canada Diagnostics for the last few courses of the year: 

• Quality Management Blueprint for Laboratory & Diagnostic Imaging Leaders (November 8, 15, 22, 29 )
• Protection from Risk—Practical Solutions (October 11, 18, 25 )
• Say What You Do: Document Development & Control (December 6, 13, 20 )

Blood cell morphologic identification is a critical component of hematology laboratory practice, and is an important diagnostic aid. Maintaining competency and achieving consistent reporting practices are ongoing challenges in this area.

The Canadian Diagnostic Executive Forum will be hosted by In-Common Laboratories from October 24 - 25, 2022 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto.

IQMH Proficiency Testing (PT) programs have been accredited since 2010 by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to ISO 17043 Conformity assessment — General requirements for proficiency testing.

The assessment was held remotely from April 12^th–14^th with two A2LA assessors (audit team). The programs were thoroughly examined and assessed against 25 categories of technical and management requirements including design of schemes, evaluation of results, document control, confidentiality, and customer service.

On May 20, 2022, IQMH bid farewell to Wayne Ozanne, Manager IQMH Proficiency Testing, after seven years of dedication to continuous quality improvement. Wayne joined IQMH on April 30, 2015, as a Consultant Technologist (CT) to manage the Pathology Proficiency Testing (PT) program.

Payal Danak, Proficiency Testing Consultant Technologist, Pathology

Payal joined the IQMH Proficiency Testing team in May 2022 as a Consultant Technologist. She previously worked as a Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist at Dynacare Health Solutions. She completed her education with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology.

After immigrating to Canada, she successfully registered with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO), and completed training courses in Histology, Transfusion Medicine, and Chemistry from The Mitchener Institute of Applied Science as part of her continuing education. Payal chose to work with IQMH to use and enhance her knowledge in Pathology and get to know peers from the other laboratories.