SETTING: In developing countries, @entity378 is diagnosed by identification of @entity4053 ( @entity4053 ) on sputum smears. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of @entity4053 microscopy, the Mexican Secretary of Health National Reference Laboratory implemented proficiency testing for its network of 637 laboratories. DESIGN: A total of 586 (92%) laboratories were inspected and 430 technicians evaluated by proficiency testing consisting of 10 slides with known numbers of @entity4053 . Results were compared with those of slide rechecking and with proficiency testing performed 2 years later. RESULTS: Of the 430 technicians evaluated by proficiency testing in 1998, 196 (46%) scored less than 80% and received intensive training in 1999. From a previous mean score of 65% their results increased to 90% (P < 0.0001). In 2001, they again underwent proficiency testing, and the mean score was 83%. The main factors affecting proficiency testing results were the type of laboratory in which the microscopists worked and the number of low-positive slides (1-9/100) in the test. Laboratories whose work was rechecked had better scores (P = 0.002). Proficiency testing scores and the estimated sensitivity of the microscopist's laboratory were associated (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: External quality assessment and training improve diagnostic performance. Rechecking and proficiency testing are both viable measures of laboratory performance.

Implementation of proficiency testing in conjunction with a rechecking system for external quality assurance in XXXX laboratories in Mexico.

@entity378 :: ('MESH:D014376', 'Disease') :: ['tuberculosis'] @entity4053 :: ('MESH:D007003', 'Disease') :: ['AFB', 'acid-fast bacilli']
@entity378 :: (MESH:D014376,Disease) :: ['tuberculosis']
