T-lymphocyte immunophenotyping blind proficiency testing: a model system for CD4+ T-cells.

Objective: To develop and evaluate methods and results for blind proficiency testing for CD4+ T-cells by T-lymphocyte immunophenotyping.

Design: A model system was developed to submit duplicate specimens for T-lymphocyte immunophenotyping as if they were routine patient specimens rather than proficiency specimens. Testing results were compared both interlaboratory and intralaboratory.

Physician satisfaction with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis B virus testing in San Diego County.

Physician satisfaction with the laboratory testing process is one indicator of the physician's perception of the quality of laboratory testing and the effectiveness of the communication of the laboratory results. This study compares the level of satisfaction of physicians reporting their experience with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) testing with the satisfaction levels of those physicians reporting their experience with hepatitis B virus (HBV) testing. By mail, 6,570 licensed San Diego County physicians were surveyed.