Electronic Proficiency Testing Reporting System
Laboratories with HPN accounts
Proficiency Testing Program Update
June 19, 2006
Dear Laboratory Directors and Staff:
This letter is being sent to you as a laboratory that has participated in, or expressed interest in participating in, the web-based Electronic Proficiency Testing Reporting System (EPTRS). As many of you know through attendance at our Outreach Programs, the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) has been making steady progress in the development of EPTRS. We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of this project and to provide important information about how this will impact your future participation in our proficiency testing programs. An updated EPTRS will be made available for evaluation to all laboratories starting in September 2006. With your help and comments, the design will be finalized and we anticipate that your participation in this system will become mandatory by May 2007.
EPTRS has evolved to support not only your submission of proficiency testing results but also reporting of laboratory performance back to you. EPTRS offers users many advantages over existing paper-based processes, including:
- Persistent Data - The system stores information such as the analytes tested and the corresponding instrument, reagent and methods utilized. This is automatically displayed during subsequent events, eliminating redundant data entry.
- Result Validation - User entries are validated for inappropriate and incomplete submissions at every step, eliminating event failures for minor errors such as missing entries, incorrect units or decimal places.
- Delegating submission - The laboratory director or responsible assistant director may delegate the electronic submission of PT results.
- Documented Delivery - Results can be electronically transmitted up to midnight of the due date and are time-stamped, offering users additional time to complete proficiency test challenges and eliminating the risk of missing a postmark deadline.
- Scored Evaluation Reports - Evaluation reports will be posted on-line and available for your review immediately after grading by the department.
- Participation History - Users will have access to archived proficiency test results and evaluation reports. This on-line archive will help users meet their obligations for the retention of proficiency testing records.
The web-based system that is being created for the EPTRS application will provide us with a platform to automate many other Program functions. Applications slated for development include an electronic exchange of laboratory survey findings and plans of corrective action, on-line renewal applications for laboratory permits and director certificate of qualification.
To obtain more information on the features of our web-based proficiency testing reporting system and our implementation schedule, navigate to http://www.wadsworth.org/labcert/clep/PT/eptrs.htm, or you can contact Kathi Wagner, CLEP Proficiency Testing Coordinator, at (518) 402-4266 or by email at clepeptrs@health.state.ny.us.
Sincerely,
Richard W. Jenny, Ph.D., Director
Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program