Hong Kong Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences Quality Assurance Programme Ltd.

In collaboration with Tuberculosis Laboratory,
Public Health Services Branch

Quality Assurance Programme in AFB Smear

Objective Criteria for Performance Evaluation of Acid Fast Bacillus Examination

Sixteen microscopic slides are dispatched to participating laboratory in four quarterly survey exercises per year.  Participants are required to stain, microscopically examine, and report the presence/absence of AFB and the staining method(s) before the due dates.

Scores of "two" and "zero" will be assigned to correct and incorrect result, respectively.  "Zero" will also be given to nil return.  Falsely positive and negative results are considered as major errors.

Quarterly survey report will tabulate results generated by the participating laboratory and the intended results together with the scoring.  "NIL RETURN" will be indicated for no return of test results. A year-end report will display the total scores and the successful rate of the participating laboratory in correct microscopic identification. A certificate of participation will also be issued indicating the numbers of timely return of survey results for statistical analysis.

Remarks

Should there be any data discrepancy in the survey report or any disagreement with the performance evaluation, participant can appeal to the chairman of HKIMLSQAP for amendment and review.

Contact us:

(852) 2499 0015 [Phone]
(852) 2124 2798 [Fax]
info@hkimlsqap.org [Email]

The Chairman
Quality Assurance Programme Committee
Hong Kong Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences Quality Assurance Programme Ltd.

Flat 1711, 17/F, Block C, Bell House,
525 - 543 Nathan Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon, Hong Kong.