1. Detection and Identification of Malaria Parasites: A Review of Proficiency Test Results and Laboratory Practices.
- Author
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Edson, Daniel C., Glick, Teri, and Massey, Laura D.
- Subjects
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MALARIA diagnosis , *DIAGNOSTIC errors , *MALARIA , *MEDICAL laboratories , *MICROSCOPY , *MOLECULAR diagnosis , *PARASITES , *PATHOLOGICAL laboratories , *QUALITY assurance , *SURVEYS , *PHYSICIAN practice patterns , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Background: This study assesses proficiency test (PT) performance in detecting and identifying malaria parasites and examines malaria screening practices in laboratories in the United States. Method: We reviewed PT data from 1999 to 2008 to determine the rates of unacceptable responses for detecting and identifying Plasmodium sp. We also surveyed current PT participants to assess malaria screening practices. Results: Laboratories were most proficient at detecting and identifying P falciparum and substantially less proficient at identifying P malariae, P vivax, and P ovale. Half of the surveyed laboratories failed to offer a complete diagnostic workup, 25.0% failed to screen both thick and thin slides, and 36.1% failed to issue a final report within 24 hours. Conclusion: Educational programs should focus on identifying Plasmodium sp. and distinguishing artifacts from parasites. Laboratories should offer a complete diagnostic workup, either in-house or by referral, and ensure final results within 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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