Data review process for AST profiles:

Question

a. requires susceptibility testing results only.
b. is the responsibility of a single individual in the laboratory.
c. can be done on "as needed" basis, no less frequently than weekly.
d. allows for troubleshooting of unusual pro-files and results to be held until resolved.

Answer 1

D
Data review process for AST profiles should be done daily and identification and susceptibility test results should be read early in the day so as not to delay workflow and results reporting. Technologists need to read identification and susceptibility reports simultaneously to judge if the AST profile is appropriate or not. If not, then troubleshooting should begin and results not re-leased at this point in time. Workflow should allow time for corrective action for errors found during data review so corrected, or substantiated, results can be provided to physicians as soon as possible. Supervisor or medical director performs second tier review to take ultimate responsibil-ity for the accuracy of results, track and monitor the efficiency of the first tier, provide construc-tive and educational feedback to the technologists, and provide guidance for resolution of the unusual profiles. Computer-based review process that searches all reports for predefined unusual profiles to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the second level of review. The review process must be flexible and continuously updated and the list of unusual profiles should be reviewed and updated frequently.