Publications by authors named "Carol Carman"
Objective: Identification of instrument failure (IF) represents a point to improve the quality of services provided by medical laboratories. Here, a logistic regression model was created to define the relationship between instrument downtime and laboratory quality management systems.
Methods: Interval-level quality control (QC) and categorical quality assurance data from 3 identical chemistry analyzers was utilized to generate a logistic regression model able to predict IF.
Background: Transfusion services aim to maintain sufficient blood inventory to support patients, even with challenges introduced by COVID-19.
Objectives: To review blood usage and wastage before, during, and after COVID-19 surges, and to evaluate effects on inventory.
Methods: In a retrospective review, we evaluated the association between time periods corresponding to the initial wave of COVID-19 (pre-COVID-19, quarantine, and postquarantine) and blood usage/wastage.
Article Synopsis
- The study highlights that incorrect ordering of thyroid function tests (TFT) is a major factor behind diagnostic errors in pregnant women, with 77% of cases showing mistakes.
- It found that many tests were either overutilized (18%) or underutilized (53%), leading to an estimated annual cost of $13,000 from unnecessary tests, while the costs from missed tests could be much higher.
- Overall, the research underscores the need for better test ordering practices in maternal health clinics to avoid resource wastage and improve patient outcomes.