How to Use PT Data as a Training Tool
Recently, we discussed how proficiency testing (PT) serves as a critical benchmark for identifying systemic laboratory issues, like instrument calibration drift. But equipment is only half the equation. The true engine of any successful clinical laboratory is its people.
For laboratory managers navigating staffing challenges and rigorous daily demands, it can be tempting to view PT simply as a regulatory requirement. However, your graded PT reports are actually one of the most cost-effective, readily available resources for continuous staff education.
The Value of PT in Staff Development The potential for using PT data in professional development is well-documented. In a 2017 focus report published in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) examined how laboratories utilize PT for non-microbiology specialties.
The survey of 769 respondents revealed a strong consensus on the educational value of these programs:
- 93% of respondents viewed clinical proficiency testing as important for demonstrating personnel competency.
- 79% indicated they purchase PT for analytes beyond those strictly required by CLIA regulations.
- The study emphasized that leveraging PT for non-regulatory improvement makes practical sense, as “laboratories already have the samples and the summary information from each PT event.”
Despite these benefits, the study noted that a small percentage (10%) of respondents still perceived PT as more costly than its value. As we head into the summer months—an ideal time to evaluate mid-year quality metrics—it is the perfect moment to shift that perspective and maximize the return on your PT investment.
Identifying Subtle Knowledge Gaps Proficiency testing is inherently designed to verify the accuracy of your testing processes. But beyond the basic “pass/fail” metric, the granular data provided in your evaluation reports can reveal subtle trends long before they impact patient care:
- Peer Group Variances: Are certain analytes consistently trending slightly higher or lower than your peer group mean?
- Shift-to-Shift Inconsistencies: Is there a minor variance in results depending on which shift handles the testing?
These are not failures; they are early indicators. Using comprehensive reporting tools, like the Quality Management Report available through WSLH PT’s PT Central, lab managers can translate these subtle gaps into actionable insights.
Practical Ways to Use PT Data for Training Transforming your PT events into powerful educational tools doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here are three practical ways to integrate PT data into your training regimen:
- Conduct Post-PT Huddles: Don’t just sign the graded report and file it away. Gather your team to review the results together. Discuss what went well, analyze any discrepancies, and brainstorm process improvements in a collaborative, non-punitive environment.
- Maximize Personnel Rotation: CLIA requires that PT samples be tested in the same manner as patient specimens, which means rotating the staff who perform the tests. Use this rotation strategically to ensure all technologists get hands-on experience and feedback, building their confidence with complex methodologies.
- Develop Targeted Continuing Education (CE): If your WSLH PT reports highlight a recurrent challenge—such as a tricky morphological identification in hematology or a subtle shift in a chemistry assay—use that exact data point to assign highly targeted internal refresher training. In fact, many managers purchase training and competency bundles alongside their annual PT programs as an added professional development perk for their staff.
Your Partner in Laboratory Excellence At WSLH Proficiency Testing, our role goes far beyond shipping samples and grading results. We design our clinical PT products and structure our reports to provide you with the clear, actionable data you need to foster a culture of excellence.
When you have questions about your data, need guidance interpreting a trend, or want to discuss the best PT enrollment strategy to support your team’s growth, our exceptional customer service team is just a phone call away. Let’s work together to empower your staff to be the very best they can be.
Ready to maximize the educational value of your proficiency testing? Contact the WSLH PT customer service team today to discuss how our programs can support your laboratory’s training and quality assurance goals.
Sources: Earley MC, Astles JR, Breckenridge K. Practices and Perceived Value of Proficiency Testing in Clinical Laboratories. J Appl Lab Med. 2017 Jan;1(4):415-420. doi: 10.1373/jalm.2016.021469. Epub 2019 Oct 15. PMID: 31903445; PMCID: PMC6941662.
