Lot quality assurance sampling of sputum acid-fast bacillus smears for assessing sputum smear microscopy centers

J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Feb;43(2):913-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.2.913-915.2005.

Abstract

Assessment of 12 microscopy centers in a tuberculosis unit by blinded checking of eight sputum smears selected by using a lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) method and by unblinded checking of all positive and five negative slides, among the slides examined in a month in a microscopy centre, revealed that the LQAS method can be implemented in the field to monitor the performance of acid-fast bacillus microscopy centers in national tuberculosis control programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriological Techniques
  • Humans
  • Laboratories / standards
  • Microscopy / standards*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / methods*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / organization & administration
  • Quality Control
  • Sampling Studies
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Specimen Handling / standards*
  • Sputum / microbiology*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / microbiology