PPM QC/IQCP

There is no commercially available product for any PPM, but you can use pictures as quality control. If you have an atlas available at the microscope, this fits the QC requirement. You can update the atlas with old Proficiency Test photos too.

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We use reference images posted by the microscope.  The images are from the CDC's PPM book

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/clia/resources/ppmp

This has been a helpful resource for PPM and has the most complete info for PPM that I have found.

Randi

Randi, that's a good suggestion. I use it also. And it's complimentary.

The other resource I use is CLSI POC 10. With images.

On the previous question of using IQCP related to performing 'controls', it's my understanding from a couple of CAP inspectors (I do not mean peer/from a lab inspectors) that IQCPs 'don't work out' for PPMPs although it's nonwaived testing.

I asked Joint Commission standards interpretation line and they too said IQCP's are not appropriate for PPM even though the CDC book talks about writing an IQCP.

Thanks Peggy!

Thanks for all of your replies! With the atlas available do you have to document QC results? Or is just having the images for reference an acceptable form of QC? (We are TJC only, no CAP.)

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IQCPs were only meant to address non-waived tests that had equivalent (electronic or other) QC, where you want to change from the CLIA requirement for 2 levels of QC daily. Since there is no equivalent QC for PPM, it doesn't qualify.

Ruth,

Images being available is sufficient. We do document the lot numbers and expiration of reagents used (saline, KOH etc) on the patient log as part of the overall "Quality Control Plan" for PPM. 

We are TJC as well.

Randi

Thanks so much, Randi!

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