Do proficiency test results correlate with the work performance of screeners who screen Papanicolaou smears?

We rescreened Papanicolaou smear slides from 40,245 women, which had been examined by 81 cytology screeners, scored the screeners' work performance, and compared these scores with the results of the screeners' performance on glass slide and computer-based proficiency tests. All diagnoses (i.e.

Quality assurance in molecular genetic testing laboratories.

Context: Specific regulation of laboratories performing molecular genetic tests may be needed to ensure standards and quality assurance (QA) and safeguard patient rights to informed consent and confidentiality. However, comprehensive analysis of current practices of such laboratories, important for assessing the need for regulation and its impact on access to testing, has not been conducted.

Objective: To collect and analyze data regarding availability of clinical molecular genetic testing, including personnel standards and laboratory practices.

Future directions for research in laboratory medicine: the findings of a Delphi survey of stakeholders.

In July 1995, we asked 101 experts to anticipate future areas for research in clinical laboratory medicine using a modified Delphi survey approach. The panel included academicians, clinical laboratory professionals, laboratory managers, practicing physicians public health officials, hospital administrators, and representatives of manufacturing industries, managed care organizations, commercial laboratories, and government health agencies. The participants predicted fewer laboratories, more automation, and fewer skilled staff needed in the future.

An evaluation of partner notification for HIV infection in genitourinary medicine clinics in England.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a standardized HIV partner notification programme within genitourinary medicine clinics in England.

Design: A prospective survey of HIV partner notification activity over a 12-month period.

Setting: Nineteen genitourinary medicine clinics in England.

Ethnic differences in women with HIV infection in Britain and Ireland. The study group for the mrc collaborative study of HIV infection in women.

Objective: To examine ethnic differences in the socio-epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a cohort of women with HIV infection in Britain and Ireland.

Design And Methods: Analysis of baseline data (ethnic group, sexual history, likely route of HIV infection, reasons for HIV testing and first AIDS-defining disease) from 400 women with HIV infection recruited into a cohort study from 15 genitourinary medicine/HIV clinics in Britain and Ireland.

Results: Sixty-five per cent of women were white and 29% black African.