Ask the Expert
Barry Craig , MLT ( NCA ), CLC Lab Coordinator , CHS Member POCCA ( Point of Care Coordinators Alabama ) Member Helena Laboratories Focus Group
S
ummer is here ! The kids are out of school , vacations are around the corner , and the grass grows faster than you can cut it . Summer can present some challenges for lab people . If your lab is Moderate or High Complexity , you are faced with personnel challenges if you want to leave the office for a few days .
If you are keen on seeing Mickey in Orlando , you are going to need someone to run the lab in your absence . CLIA regulations require that anyone who touches your instruments or equipment must meet three criteria :
1 . Educational Requirements – For Moderate Complexity , at least a high school diploma or GED . For High Complexity , at least a two year degree in Laboratory Science ( MLT ).
2 . Test Training – Your substitute must have documented training for the instruments or test systems they will be using .
3 . Competency – Your substitute must also demonstrate competency in the use of the instruments or test systems and have it documented . ( You can train someone to drive a car , but it does not mean they are good at it . See YouTube driver ’ s tests . Scary .)
What is best way to store a microscope ? We are taking a microscope out of service but may want to use it in the future .
Clean , clean , clean it . Remove all oil from the objectives , clean the bridge and clips and clean the eye pieces . Remove any batteries , if your scope uses them . Seal the scope in an airtight bag if possible , such as Space Bag . If you are discontinuing the test as well , pull the procedure and mark it with a discontinued date .
What is the best way to do competency for Waived tests ? We document the training when someone starts testing but we haven ’ t been doing anything else after that . Is there a simple way to measure competency ?
You can explain and demonstrate to someone how to drive a car , and then put them behind the wheel and watch them drive into a ditch . ( See the reference above ). The easiest way to measure competency is to enroll in Proficiency Testing . All the PT companies have Waived packages that bundle Waived tests into groups . It does not cost a lot and allows for three challenges a year . When the proficiency challenge arrives , have different staff members perform different tests within the kit . Be sure to mark on the paperwork , who did what . Observe the personnel as they perform the testing . They should treat each specimen EXACTLY as they would treat a patient specimen . No asking for help , no reading the directions , no run the test three times . The purpose of doing the testing is to simulate an actual patient encounter . Record the results on the answer sheet , send in the response in the time allotted and wait for your results .
When the results are released , review the answers with everyone who participated . If anyone fails the testing , halt their ability to patient test , review previous patient results for
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