Deep Thought is a logic tutor where students practice constructing deductive logic proofs. Within Deep Thought is a data-driven mastery learning system (DDML), which calculates student proficiency based on rule scores weighted by expert-decided weights in order to assign problem sets of appropriate difficulty. In this study, we designed and tested a data-driven proficiency profiler (DDPP) metho...

OBJECTIVE to propose a set of indicators as a management tool for a clinical laboratory, by using the balanced scorecard internal business processes perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS indicators proposed are obtained from different sources; external proficiency testing of the Valencia Community Government, by means of internal surveys and laboratory information system registers. One year testi...

Proficiency assessments are important elements in quality control for diagnostic laboratories. Traditionally, proficiency testing for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays has involved the use of clinical samples, samples "spiked" with live agents or DNA plasmids. Because of government regulations and biosecurity concerns, distribution of live high-consequence pathogens of livestock and ...

We present and discuss observations regarding the results of the serum iron determination as seen in various surveys. The reference method proved to score different in our hands judging on the performance in the Dutch and German quality assessment schemes. Furthermore, it is clear and frustrating that these scores, representing the most accurate results, are becoming more and more labeled "out ...

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA 88) (1 ) have caused great changes not only in US laboratories but in clinical laboratories throughout the world. CLIA’s requirements for preand postanalytical control were harbingers of more complete approaches to the implementation of quality systems in clinical laboratories, such as the quality model just introduced by the National...

Proficiency testing programs (PTPs) have long been recognized as a tool that accreditation bodies and regulatory authorities (regulators) use to determine whether laboratories perform tests with acceptable results. PTPs can have additional purposes. This paper argues that PTPs should be perceived and overtly promoted as tools for laboratories to use as part of their quality assurance and contin...

Specimen 1 Organisms Referees Frequency Ext 1 Ext 2 571 Ascaris lumbricoides 18 Moderate to Many 15 49 545 Entamoeba coli 10 Moderate to Many 4 16 589 Schistosoma mansoni 6 Few to moderate 3 11 524 Parasite(s) found referred for ID 10 580 Trichuris trichiura 3 Few to moderate 6 544 Endolimax nana 2 2 574 Hookworm 1 546 Entamoeba hartmanni 1 548 Entamoeba histolytica / Entamoeba dispar 1 566 Hym...