Electronic Proficiency Testing Reporting System
Laboratories without HPN accounts
Proficiency Testing Program Update
June 19, 2006
Dear Laboratory Directors and Staff:
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 a web-based Electronic Proficiency Testing Reporting System (EPTRS). We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of this exciting project and to provide important information about how this will impact your future participation in our proficiency testing programs. 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.
Due to the sensitive nature of the information being transmitted, proficiency testing and other program applications must be accessed through the Health Department's secure website: Health Provider Network (HPN). Many hospitals and laboratories are already enrolled in the HPN to meet reporting requirements and to participate in disease surveillance activities. The HPN serves as a repository for critical information and guidance on disease outbreaks, bioterrorism and other public health projects and initiatives and will become increasingly important as a communication portal between health care providers and the Department.
Laboratories that have not already done so should enroll in the HPN as soon as possible to become part of the Department's electronic community and to take full advantage of CLEP's electronic proficiency-testing program and the many other on-line utilities planned for the future. An application to initiate the HPN enrollment process is enclosed; additional information is available at http://www.wadsworth.org/labcert/clep/PT/eptrs.htm. To obtain information or technical assistance with HPN enrollment, contact the Help Desk by telephone at (866) 325-7743 or by email at eclrs@health.state.ny.us. To obtain more information on the features of our web-based proficiency testing reporting system and our implementation schedule, 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