Show Notes
Time Stamps
01:25 What is proficiency testing?
04:10 Proficiency testing insures my lab is actually getting the accurate results?
05:26 What is proficiency testing referral and why is it important for laboratory medical directors, administrators, supervisors and staff to be aware of PT referral rules?
07:54 Why would laboratories refer proficiency testing to another external lab?
12:05 What’s happening at working to reduce this risk for me?
Taking Essential Steps for Testing (TEST) Act of 2012
15:23 These are “near-miss” events and definitely something to learn from, discussing how the holes lined up, what occurred, and now here’s your opportunity to patch that hole?
17:04 What new trends in laboratory medicine have increased the risk of sanctions for proficiency testing referral?
19:55 What are the most effective strategies to prevent proficiency testing referral?
22:26 Are there good resources for this education? Or is every lab on their own to create content?
23:17 In your experience, being on committees and doing inspections at hospitals, what has surprised you most about this issue of PT and referral?
26:17 How do you approach training pathology residents and fellows in understanding proficiency testing, what they are responsible for, how do they trouble shoot a proficiency failure? I imagine it’s difficult to introduce that topic.
Additional Resources:
CMS Brochure on PT Referrals @
cms.gov What is Lab Medicine Rounds?
A Mayo Clinic podcast for laboratory professionals, physicians, and students, hosted by Justin Kreuter, M.D., assistant professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at Mayo Clinic, featuring educational topics and insightful takeaways to apply in your practice.