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Panel Testing
Learning ObjectivesThe learner will be able to
- Describe Panel Testing
- Discuss purpose of panel testing and
- Elucidate uses of panel testing
H5Content
Content
Panel testing is a method of External Quality Assurance (EQA) that is used to determine the adequacy of a laboratory technician to perform Acid-fast Bacillus (AFB) smear microscopy. This method evaluates individual performance in staining and reading and not the other laboratory activities.
- Panel testing under National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) is used for Intermediate Reference Laboratories (IRLs) and District TB Centres (DTCs) during on-site evaluation, because these institutions do not have routine slides for blinded rechecking.
- A panel consists of a batch of stained and/or unstained smears that are sent out by the higher-level reference laboratory to the peripheral laboratories for processing, reading, and reporting of results
- Panel testing is not performed as a routine in DMCs, as they will have regular on-site evaluation and blinded rechecking.
Uses of Panel Testing
- Supplement re-checking programmes
- Provide information on the capabilities of the peripheral laboratories prior to
implementing a re-checking program - Assess status level of performance or to quickly detect problems associated with very poor performance
- Evaluate proficiency of laboratory technicians following training
- Monitor performance of individuals when adequate resources are not available to implement a re-checking program.
Resources
Assessment
Question | Answer 1 | Answer 2 | Answer 3 | Answer 4 | Correct answer | Correct explanation | Page id | Part of Pre-test | Part of Post-test |
Panel testing is useful to evaluate the proficiency of laboratory technicians following training. | True | False | 1 | Panel Testing is useful to evaluate the proficiency of laboratory technicians following training. | Yes | Yes |
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