WSLH PT Blog

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Our 10 Most-Shared Memes & Puns

Posted on November 20, 2025 by flowerme

A Look Back at Our Favorites from Our Newsletter, The MedLab Retriever

Working in a laboratory requires incredible precision, dedication, and expertise. But let’s be honest—it also requires a great sense of humor to get through the day-to-day challenges.

Over the years, we’ve shared more than just proficiency testing updates and industry news in our newsletter; we’ve also shared a laugh. We dug through the archives and pulled out the top 10 memes and puns that you, our readers, shared the most.

Here’s a look back at our favorites:

An internet viral trend, circa February 2012

1. Lab Tech Reality

The classic “What We Actually Do” meme. We all know the last panel is the most accurate.

From glamorous TV portrayals to the chaotic reality of juggling samples, paperwork, and “STAT” requests, this meme just gets it.

A meme courtesy of The Mislabeled Specimen.

2. What Kind of Runner are You?

“Doctor: Do you exercise? Me: I’m a runner. I run controls and calibrations. I run tests. I run STATS. I run late sometimes. I even run my mouth.”

This is our kind of workout plan. It perfectly captures the lab professional’s daily marathon.

An internet viral trend, using a stock photo from Russia that became the Chemistry Cat meme template around 2011.

3. Chemistry Cat

A fan favorite from Chemistry Cat. You can’t have a lab humor round-up without a visit from the iconic Chemistry Cat. This one is a periodic table classic that never gets old. We’re not sorry for this one… Na.

4. An Acid with an Attitude

“A-Mean-Oh-Acid;” ah yes, another science pun that is so bad it’s brilliant. This amino acid definitely looks like it could each my lunch.

5. Sand Under the Microscope

Fascinating, this is what sand looks like under the microscope! This is a meme for the laboratory pro who appreciates a perfectly literal, eye-rolling, “groaner” of a joke. This one got a lot of comments for its simplicity and technical accuracy.

A meme courtesy of the MemeCenter.com

6. Important Lab Results

Actually, we think the lab’s “results” are stored in a different bag. That is all.

7. The Med Tech Seal of Approval

Your non-healthcare friends won’t be able to crack this code. But other laboratory professionals? They’ve got it. You can’t unlearn the habit. When you see a date written like this in the fridge, you know you’re in the presence of a fellow lab pro.

8. Balancing the Centrifuge…at Home

Someone’s egg carton needs re-arranging…Another fan favorite that proves you can shake lab life. You might be a lab tech if you feel a deep, unquestioning need to balance your egg carton. Heck, we wouldn’t be surprised if you had your family or friends doing this, too.

Meme courtesy of the Histomemes Facebook page, fb.me/histomemes.

9. It’s a Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Our Caption: Well, we didn’t see that one coming…

This is truly an “insider” joke for our histology and pathology friends. Sometimes, the simplest answer is the right one. It’s just… rarely a cookie.

Meme courtesy of The Mislabeled Specimen.

10. Humor Based on Pain

No caption needed. This one just felt right.

This meme perfectly sums up all the others, doesn’t it? One might consider this the unofficial, official motto of lab humor.

From balancing your egg carton like a centrifuge to understanding the “pain” behind the humor, laboratory life has its own unique language. We hope this list of our favorites brought a smile to your face. If you are nodding along, or perhaps even let out a sensible chuckle or two, share this with your colleagues and lab mates who get it.

P.S. If you are reading this and you are not already subscribed to our monthly newsletter, be sure to subscribe by clicking on the link below. When you sign up, you get all of our best content, from important industry updates to, yes, more memes. Don’t miss out:

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WSLH PT Blog

Clinical Proficiency Testing and Outbreak Management

Posted on October 28, 2025 by flowerme

A Closer Look at PT in Outbreak Management

Every successful outbreak response begins in the laboratory. Whether tracking a local foodborne illness cluster or containing a global pandemic, the ability to quickly and accurately identify pathogens depends on one often-overlooked system of quality assurance: Proficiency Testing (PT). Behind the scenes of every major public health response, from localized foodborne illness clusters to global pandemics, lies a system of quality assurance that ensures the reliability of laboratory testing. This system, known as Proficiency Testing (PT), has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of modern medicine and public health. Far more than a compliance requirement, PT plays an essential role in outbreak preparedness and management by strengthening diagnostic accuracy, laboratory comparability, and system-wide confidence in test results. At WSLH Proficiency Testing, we’re proud to help laboratories uphold that tradition of preparedness and quality.

Building Reliability Before an Outbreak

Proficiency testing is a cornerstone of external quality assessment, challenging laboratories to analyze unknown samples and compare their results against peer performance. This process provides objective evidence that laboratory methods, instruments, and staff competency meet required standards (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2022).

During routine operations, PT quietly reinforces a laboratory’s diagnostic accuracy. When a crisis occurs, that accumulated assurance translates into confidence and capability. Laboratories with strong PT performance records are better equipped to detect emerging pathogens, interpret unusual results, and communicate reliable data under pressure (Tholen et al., 2006).

Fungal Outbreaks: The Challenge of Candida auris

One of the most pressing examples is Candida auris (C. auris), a multidrug-resistant fungus responsible for persistent healthcare-associated outbreaks. As we discussed in our previous article, “Preparing Laboratories for Emergent Pathogens,” the multidrug-resistant fungus, Candida auris (C. auris), is notoriously difficult to identify with some traditional methods, leading to misidentification and, consequently, unrecognized nosocomial outbreaks. By testing identification methods through PT, laboratories can recognize misidentification issues early, retrain staff, and adjust protocols to spot a potential outbreak within their facility earlier.

Foodborne Disease Surveillance and PulseNet

Bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli are frequent culprits in multistate foodborne outbreaks. Through microbiology culture and molecular PT programs, laboratories ensure their serotyping and PCR methods align with standards used by CDC’s PulseNet network. Accurate, comparable data allows public health agencies to trace contamination sources quickly and prevent further spread (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).

COVID-19 and Emerging Respiratory Threats

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical role of PT in maintaining consistent testing performance across thousands of new and existing laboratories. Early in the response, PT provided a vital check on assay accuracy and comparability, ensuring data reported to health authorities could be trusted for clinical and policy decisions (CMS, 2020).

Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Outbreaks

Antimicrobial-resistant organisms—such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)—pose an ongoing outbreak risk in healthcare settings. PT participation verifies a laboratory’s ability to detect resistance mechanisms and interpret antimicrobial susceptibility results accurately, directly supporting infection control and antibiotic stewardship (CDC, 2023).

Across these scenarios, PT acts as a real-world test of readiness—ensuring laboratories can deliver accurate results that guide outbreak containment and protect public health.

Supporting Laboratory Competency and Readiness

Staff competency is another critical factor in outbreak management. During emergencies, laboratories experience increased testing volume, staff turnover, and pressure to deliver fast results. PT offers a measurable, objective tool for assessing and maintaining staff proficiency over time. It verifies that even under stress, personnel can correctly interpret complex or unusual results (CMS, 2022).

In addition, PT data contributes to ongoing quality improvement. Laboratories can analyze their performance trends, identify recurring issues, and strengthen internal quality systems—ensuring that response capabilities continue to evolve alongside new technologies and emerging pathogens (Clarke & O’Connor, 2020).

Conclusion

In outbreak management, proficiency testing is both a preventive measure and a performance benchmark. It ensures that laboratories are not simply reacting to crises, but are prepared long before they occur. By validating analytical accuracy, confirming staff competency, and promoting data comparability across networks, PT underpins the diagnostic confidence that drives effective public health response.

Moreover, consistent participation in PT ensures data comparability across hospital systems and public health networks. In outbreak scenarios, where multiple laboratories may test specimens from the same cluster, result harmonization is vital for epidemiological tracing and response coordination (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). A laboratory’s PT performance assures that its results are not only accurate but also consistent with national and global surveillance standards.

At WSLH Proficiency Testing, we are proud to support laboratories in maintaining this readiness. Each PT event represents more than an exercise—it is an investment in the resilience of our collective public health infrastructure, ensuring that when the next outbreak arises, laboratories are equipped to respond with precision, consistency, and trust.

References

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022, July 11). Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) proficiency testing regulations related to analytes and acceptable performance. Federal Register, 87(131), 41194–41250. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/07/11/2022-14513/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments-of-1988-clia-proficiency-testing-regulations-related-to

Sunderman, F. W. (1992). The history of proficiency testing/quality control. Clinical Chemistry, 38(7), 1205–1209.

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Proficiency Testing. (n.d.-a). About WSLH PT – Quality Laboratory Improvement Since 1966. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://wslhpt.org/about-wslh-pt-quality-laboratory-improvement/

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Proficiency Testing. (n.d.-b). CLIA and proficiency testing changes. Retrieved October 23, 2025, from https://wslhpt.org/clia-and-proficiency-testing-changes/

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Proficiency Testing. (2023). Preparing Laboratories for Emergent Pathogens. WSLH PT Blog. https://wslhpt.org/blog/preparing-laboratories-for-emergent-pathogens/

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WSLH PT Blog

Environmental Surveillance for Public Health

Posted on October 7, 2025 by flowerme

Safeguarding Public Health through the Wastewater Program(s)

Environmental monitoring is a cornerstone of modern public health. From detecting emerging pathogens to tracking community-level disease trends, wastewater disease surveillance has become an essential part of the public health toolbox. To ensure laboratories generate accurate and reliable results, laboratory proficiency testing programs play a critical role.

Why Wastewater Surveillance Matters

Wastewater surveillance provides an efficient, non-invasive and relatively unbiased way to monitor pathogens circulating in a population, often demonstrating a spike in cases days or even weeks earlier than traditional case reporting. Launched in September of 2020, the Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program (WWMP) has been reporting to the Wisconsin DHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2. This reporting has since been expended to include influenza (A, B, H5N1), respiratory syncytial virus, norovirus, mpox virus and most recently measles. These data help to fill in some of the existing clinical surveillance gaps, aiding public health agencies in anticipating outbreaks, making timely and effective policy decisions, allocating resources, and conducting appropriate public messaging campaigns.

In just a few years, through the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), the United States has established a robust network of laboratories reporting pathogen concentrations in wastewater. Though impressive, this rapid expansion of the network has outpaced the development of standardized laboratory and data analysis protocols, resulting in substantial data variability, and making cross-network comparability more difficult. In July 2023, the CDC named the Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Program a National Center of Excellence for wastewater surveillance in recognition of its achievements and leadership within the NWSS network.

Wisconsin’s Wastewater Surveillance Laboratory PT

Recognizing the urgent need for cross-network data standardization, WWMP has established and implemented a Wastewater Surveillance Laboratory Proficiency Testing (PT) Program with the following goals:

Identify key methodological factors that contribute to inter-laboratory variability
Help identify calculation and reporting data errors
Identify low and high-performing protocols
Identify under-performing laboratories and assist with troubleshooting and method optimization

The Wastewater PT Program has conducted three rounds of testing to date, focusing primarily on respiratory pathogens. Participating laboratories received blinded wastewater samples and were instructed to perform their routine wastewater pathogen protocols, and to submit a metadata report describing all the pertinent details of their process. These metadata were then used for quality assurance and to gain insights into the methodological factors that may influence performance. In return, participants were issued comprehensive summary reports, laboratory support, and assessment of qualitative outcomes via follow-up surveys. The survey outcomes to date suggest that the participating laboratories have found the exercises valuable, and a large proportion of newly participating labs were able to correct a reporting mistake. “I’m looking forward to continued guidance on method optimization” wrote one recent participant.

The Wisconsin Wastewater Monitoring Team at WSLH is currently conducting PT exercises at a twice-yearly cadence. WWMP is proud to help advance nationwide laboratory competency in wastewater monitoring—protecting communities today and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. For more information about this program or to enroll in the future PT exercises, you can contact WSLH at WastewaterTesting@slh.wisc.edu.

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WSLH PT Blog

Preparing Laboratories for Emergent Pathogens

Posted on September 8, 2025 by flowerme

Emerging infectious threats such as Candida auris (C. auris) and other multidrug-resistant organisms are testing the limits of today’s clinical laboratories. For laboratory managers and directors, these pathogens bring more than scientific challenges—they demand operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and rapid, confident detection. This article explores why C. auris is a critical concern, the hurdles laboratories face in identifying and containing emergent pathogens, and how Proficiency Testing (PT) can strengthen preparedness. By understanding these issues, decision-makers can ensure their laboratories remain resilient partners in patient care and public health.

Why C. auris ( and other multi-drug resistant organisms) demand our attention

First identified in 2009, C. auris has since spread across the globe. The CDC now classifies it as an urgent public health threat (CDC, 2023). This yeast is of particular concern because it:

Exhibits multidrug resistance: Many isolates are resistant to commonly used antifungal drugs.
Is difficult to identify: Traditional phenotypic methods for yeast infection may misidentify it as other Candida species (CDC, June 2024) (Kumar et al., 2023).
Survives in healthcare environments: It can persist on surfaces, making it especially prone to causing outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities. (Chowdhary et al., 2017).

The ability to accurately detect C. auris is vital to ensure timely infection control interventions, guide appropriate therapy, and protect patients.

Laboratory Challenges with Emergent Pathogens

The arrival of C. auris and other MDROs presents significant challenges for clinical laboratories. Not all diagnostic platforms include emerging organisms in their identification libraries, leaving clinical laboratories at risk of misidentification (Kumar et al., 2023). Additional biosafety measures and disinfection practices are needed to prevent environmental persistence and cross-contamination (Peng et al., 2018), (Chowdhary et al., 2017).

Beyond technical issues, laboratories must prepare their staff to recognize unusual isolates, escalate findings when appropriate, and follow updated reporting procedures (CDC, 2023). Accrediting bodies and regulators, including CLIA and international organizations, expect laboratories to demonstrate competency in detecting clinically significant organisms—even those rarely encountered in day-to-day work (WHO, 2017).

The Role of Proficiency Testing in Preparedness

Clinical proficiency testing (PT) is not just about meeting regulatory requirements. It is also a proactive tool that strengthens a laboratory’s ability to respond to emerging threats. When laboratories participate in PT programs that include unusual or emerging organisms, they are effectively stress-testing their systems under realistic conditions.

Through PT, laboratory managers and directors can verify whether their identification platforms are accurate, while also confirming that staff have the confidence and skills to report rare organisms. The process allows labs to compare their performance with peer institutions, uncover hidden gaps, and then use those findings to refine SOPs, strengthen training, and improve quality systems (WHO, 2017).

Participation in PT allows laboratories to demonstrate readiness to regulators and accrediting bodies, while also strengthening their role as critical partners in infection prevention and public health. Above all, it provides decision-makers with the reassurance that their laboratories are equipped to detect and respond to emergent threats quickly and reliably.

Looking Ahead

Emergent pathogens will continue to challenge healthcare systems worldwide. Ensuring your laboratory’s tools, people, and processes are ready is the best way to safeguard patients and support the broader public health mission.

Stay ahead of emerging threats while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and patient safety. To get started, take a look at our catalog and request a quote for 2026. At WSLH Proficiency Testing, we recognize that laboratory directors and managers need tools that prepare their teams not only for routine workflow but also for the unexpected. Including organisms such as C. auris and other MDROs in your laboratory’s proficiency testing menu ensures that your laboratory is positioned to respond when it matters most.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 27). Identification of Candida auris. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/candida-auris/hcp/laboratories/identification-of-c-auris.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 19). Environmental cleaning procedures. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/hcp/cleaning-global/procedures.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Candida auris: A global emerging threat. https://www.cdc.gov/candida-auris/
Chowdhary, A., Sharma, C., & Meis, J. F. (2017). Candida auris: A rapidly emerging cause of hospital-acquired infections globally. PLoS Pathogens, 13(5), e1006290.
Kumar, A., et al. (2023). Challenges in the identification of Candida auris: A review of current diagnostic tools. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1051760.
Peng H, Bilal M, Iqbal HMN. Improved Biosafety and Biosecurity Measures and/or Strategies to Tackle Laboratory-Acquired Infections and Related Risks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Nov 29;15(12):2697.
World Health Organization. (2017). WHO guidelines on the use of external quality assessment schemes in health laboratories.

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WSLH PT Blog

Why clinical labs enroll with WSLH Proficiency Testing

Posted on August 14, 2025 by flowerme

It’s that time of year again—when every laboratory must review their clinical proficiency testing menus for the next testing cycle. Compliance is the reason we all do it, but we know it’s about more than checking a box. For you, it’s about demonstrating proficiency, ensuring accuracy, and safeguarding patient testing. For us, it’s about helping you optimize your services, streamline your PT process, and feel confident in every result you report.

Your PT planning window is a limited, required part of your compliance process. Researching your options sooner rather than later ensures you will have the programs you need in place by the end of the year — without the stress of last-minute decisions. Let’s work together to set you up for a smooth, successful PT cycle.

Customers choose WSLH PT, Year After Year

In our most recent survey, our customers told us what matters most to their laboratories: quality, reliability, and service you can count on. Here’s some of the feedback that we received:

"You Cover A Wide Range of Analytes."

"Covers most of our needs"

"Cost-effective and meets proficiency standards."

"Customer service is A+ every time, no matter who I am working with."

"Very consistent, reliable product."

What you can expect when you work with WSLH Proficiency Testing:

A comprehensive PT menu to fit your laboratory’s scope, whether you are working with us as your primary or secondary PT provider.
Exceptional support—our team is here for you, with quick, clear answers when you need them.
High-quality, dependable materials that arrive on time and perform as expected.
Streamlined processes to make ordering, reporting, and staying compliant simple.
Affordability – Competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are exploring your options for the first time, our mission is to provide the dependable PT services you need to maintain compliance and ensure quality patient testing.

If you’re thinking about switching providers, adding a secondary PT source, or simply exploring your options, WLSH PT makes it easy. Just upload your current PT menu, and we’ll prepare a customized quote for you. Enrollment for the upcoming year is open now. Let WSLH Proficiency Testing be your trusted partner in excellence.

View Our PT Catalog & Request A Quote

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WSLH PT Blog

Attending the 2025 ADLM Clinical Lab Expo

Posted on July 3, 2025 by flowerme

And Why You Should Visit Booth #2321

This year’s ADLM Scientific Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo is taking place from July 27–31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The Expo floor opens July 29 and runs through July 31, giving laboratory professionals the chance to explore new products, talk directly with experts, and gain insights that are hard to find anywhere else. You guessed it; WSLH PT will be there. We hope you will not only stop by our booth but truly take advantage of what ADLM’s Clinical Lab Expo has to offer.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the schedule, and what you can expect at this year’s Expo:

Expo hours:

Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Thursday, July 31, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time

Expo highlights:

800+ exhibitors across more than 200 product and service categories
Live Lecture Series presentations and Industry Workshops held right in the Expo Hall
Interactive Product Showcase displays and demo opportunities
Networking events, including a fun Ice Cream Social and daily coffee breaks

But beyond the number of booths and presentations, there’s something uniquely valuable about this kind of in-person experience—especially for lab managers and decision-makers.

Walking the show floor, you can ask detailed questions about specific instruments, testing platforms, or External Quality Assessment (EQA) or Proficiency Testing (PT) programs. You will get answers from people who understand both the science and the day-to-day operational challenges of a clinical lab. For many, the opportunity to gather firsthand information in one place helps streamline the decision-making process—especially when preparing for the next PT enrollment year or evaluating alternative service providers.

If proficiency testing is part of your responsibilities, it’s worth planning a visit to our Booth #2321. WSLH Proficiency Testing’s technical experts will be there to talk through your questions about PT and EQA programs—whether you’re reviewing your options for 2026, considering a secondary provider, or simply want a better understanding of our programs and services. We hope you’d just stop by and say hello, even if you didn’t have a specific PT question in mind.

Even if you’re not attending the full conference, you can still explore the Expo with a complimentary Expo-only pass. Use our special promo code 52336E when you register online to access the exhibit floor at no cost. The Expo runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday.

Whether you’re preparing for new regulations, thinking about next year’s PT enrollment, or just want to stay informed, we hope you’ll make time for the Expo—and stop by to meet the WSLH PT team at Booth #2321. We’re here to help. You can get the conversation started even before the Expo, by uploading your testing menu and providing a few details via our Request a Quote form, or simply contact us online or by calling (800) 462-5261. As part of a national public health laboratory and a Big Ten university, maintaining and improving the quality of your laboratory is our mission.

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WSLH PT Blog

Planning Your PT Year

Posted on June 13, 2025 by flowerme

Tips for selecting panels, budgeting, and enrolling

Planning your Proficiency Testing (PT) year is part and parcel of maintaining the work of a clinical laboratory – ensuring compliance, accurate patient testing, and streamlining your facility’s operations throughout the year. Whether assessing your budget or considering new PT providers, taking a proactive approach to planning can result in better outcomes—and potentially, cost savings.

This article provides key strategies to help your laboratory prepare for the upcoming PT cycle, including selecting panels and budgeting. Enrollment for most programs, including those from WSLH Proficiency Testing (WSLH PT), typically runs from July through December, making now the perfect time to start organizing your plan.

Align PT Panels with Your Test Menu

Once you’ve marked your calendar for the upcoming enrollment window, the next step is to take a close look at your test menu. How do you match your laboratory’s needs to your current test menu? This step is crucial to maintaining compliance and verifying accuracy across all testing areas. Review your current test menu and confirm that your PT selections reflect any updates in instrumentation or services.

Start by reviewing your current offerings and identifying any recent or upcoming changes—such as new instruments, expanded test menus, or retiring assays. The following questions below can help guide you and your team in making more adjustments that are more relevant, and potentially more cost-saving to your laboratory.

Key Considerations:

Do you anticipate adding new instruments or assays?
Are all required tests covered by your current provider?
Does your PT provider provide analytes that are accepted by your accreditation agency?
Is your facility enrolled in large, fixed bundles? How suitable is that for your laboratory’s needs? Are there smaller, more relevant, and affordable options?

Budget for the Year Ahead

Budgeting for proficiency testing may seem straightforward, but hidden costs can quickly add up—especially if your provider’s pricing model includes unnecessary extras or lacks transparency.

Ways to Build a Smarter PT Budget:

Compare pricing across providers to identify the best value.
Look at total cost—not just the panel price, but shipping, additional enrollments, and rush order fees.
Account for PT programs that align with your actual test volume and lab size.

WSLH PT is often a more affordable PT solution, especially for small- to mid-sized laboratories. Our competitive pricing and tailored services give you better control over your lab’s budget without compromising on quality or compliance.

Explore Enrollment Options Early

Early enrollment gives your lab the widest range of choices. Enrollment in next year’s proficiency testing programs typically begins late summer to early fall. To ensure participation in all shipments, it is important to submit enrollment forms as early as possible.

Consider diversifying your PT providers. While many labs rely on one PT provider exclusively, adding a secondary provider can help mitigate risk, ensure continuity, and increase flexibility in panel selection. Your PT provider should do more than ship samples. They should offer expertise, responsive service, and meaningful insights to help your lab maintain quality and compliance.

Navigate PT with Confidence

Planning your PT year doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and the right partner, your lab can meet regulatory requirements, maintain high-quality results, and even reduce costs.

Let WSLH Proficiency Testing be your trusted guide as you plan for the year ahead. Our team is here to support your success—through expert-designed programs, reliable service, and a commitment to quality that you can count on.

Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote from WSLH Proficiency Testing today and discover how we can help your lab navigate proficiency testing with confidence.

📅 Enrollment for 2026 proficiency testing with WSLH PT opens late summer. Don’t wait—plan ahead to ensure a seamless and cost-effective PT year.

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WSLH PT Blog

Beyond CLIA Compliance

Posted on May 16, 2025 by flowerme

How Proficiency Testing Enhances Laboratory Quality and Diagnostic Accuracy, Beyond Compliance

Clinical laboratories are essential to patient care—and even minor testing errors can lead to major consequences. While proficiency testing (PT) is a regulatory requirement under CLIA, it is also one of the most effective tools laboratories can use to strengthen diagnostic accuracy, train staff, and promote a culture of quality. At WSLH Proficiency Testing, we encourage labs to look beyond compliance and use PT as a strategic asset in delivering consistent, reliable results.

Proficiency Testing as a Quality Benchmark

“Each PT event offers opportunities to evaluate SOPs, verify instrumentation accuracy, and assess result interpretation,” says Mike Argall, Director of WSLH Proficiency Testing.

For example, Mike adds, one laboratory identified a trend of elevated false positives in a specific analyte over two PT events. Because the samples were standardized, the repeated issue signaled a systemic problem rather than random variation. A review of the assay process revealed instrument calibration drift. After recalibrating equipment and providing targeted retraining, the laboratory saw improved PT scores and greater consistency in patient testing.

When unexpected outcomes occur, they can guide constructive discussions and continuous improvement efforts. Over time, PT results become powerful tools to support accreditation, internal audits, and professional development.

Pro Tip: Incorporate PT reviews into staff development plans and quality initiatives to align individual performance with organizational goals.

Using PT Data to Support Quality Management

Proficiency testing data is more than a single-event score—it’s a valuable resource for your lab’s broader quality management system. By tracking results over time, laboratories can uncover patterns that may indicate recurring issues, equipment variability, or training needs.

WSLH Proficiency Testing offers tools to make this process easier. Within PT Central, WSLH Proficiency Testing’s lab management system, participating labs can access quality management reports to review event-to-event performance.

“I can pull data very quickly and build a global report for each analyte—not just by site,” says Andrew Szczembara, Point-of-Care Coordinator, Michigan Medicine.

Andrew continued,

“The way WSLH PT handles result entry and reporting is a much smoother process for us. It’s made a noticeable difference since we switched to WSLH Proficiency Testing. Plus, the cost savings have been a great bonus.”

Whether you’re preparing for an audit or conducting internal risk assessments, PT data provides credible documentation and valuable insights to guide decision-making at every level.

From Compliance to Continuous Improvement

Laboratory professionals like Andrew and his team see PT as more than a requirement—they use it to drive excellence. Whether your lab is part of a large hospital network or an independent diagnostic facility, you can choose from any CMS-approved PT provider—or use multiple providers to best meet your testing needs.

WSLH Proficiency Testing supports laboratories accredited by CAP, COLA, and The Joint Commission.
You can request a quote at any time to compare your current PT programs with ours. Simply upload your test menu and note any additional analytes you’d like to evaluate.

Take Your Quality Strategy Further

WSLH Proficiency Testing delivers expertly designed programs and quality assurance tools that help labs build confidence, improve consistency, and support better patient outcomes.

👉 Explore our programs and services
📩 Have questions? Contact us to learn more.

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WSLH PT Blog

Celebrating Point-of-Care Laboratory Professionals

Posted on April 11, 2025 by flowerme

A Special Look at the Work Behind Point-of-Care Testing

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (Lab Week) is a time to celebrate the vital work of clinical laboratory professionals—including each of you. As we recognize your accomplishments and commitment to quality and accuracy, we highlight three laboratory professionals whose work as Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Coordinators underscores the importance of leadership in point-of-care (POC) testing. These coordinators ensure test results are accurate, timely, and reliable—directly influencing patient care.

As Lab Week 2025 (April 20–26) nears, we spotlight Andrew Szczembara, C (ASCP)CM, Josephine Uy, MT(ASCP), and Kara Iqra Mirza, MPH. Each brings unique insight, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment to high-quality testing in their institutions.

Competency: The Foundation of Accurate Testing

Competency management is essential in every POC testing program. Ensuring clinical staff are trained and proficient with testing equipment is key to accurate results.

Josephine Uy, Technical Supervisor at Mayo Clinic, stresses the challenge of maintaining high standards among staff who may not use devices daily. “Initial and refresher training are important, but people must retain what they learn when it matters most,” she says.

Andrew Szczembara, Point-of-Care Manager at Michigan Medicine, adds, “Competency isn’t just protocol—it’s understanding the process. Frequent hands-on experience is critical, especially in high-pressure settings where test results guide care.”

Kara Iqra Mirza, Safety Specialist at UTHealth Houston, emphasizes ongoing assessments. “Training can’t be one-and-done. We evaluate skills regularly and provide updates to keep staff confident and capable.”

Their commitment to ongoing education directly supports reliable, quality POC testing across their organizations.

Instrument Maintenance and Quality Control

Reliable testing depends on well-maintained equipment. All three coordinators highlight the importance of consistent calibration and monitoring.

At Mayo Clinic, Josephine notes the challenge of maintaining accurate POC devices, “Middleware helps catch issues, but regular calibration and awareness are key to keeping equipment in top shape.”

Andrew says maintenance is especially vital in busy hospital settings. “We work closely with vendors to ensure instruments are functioning correctly. Even minor errors can affect patient outcomes.”

Kara agrees: “Staying on top of calibration and training is a team effort. It’s not just about the tech—it’s about knowing how to use it properly.”

Their diligence ensures POC devices consistently deliver accurate, high-quality results.

Relationship Building: Key to Collaboration

Strong communication and collaboration with clinical teams are essential. Coordinators must engage directly with nurses, physicians, and others to foster trust and teamwork.

Josephine prefers face-to-face interactions over email. “A quick conversation on the unit often solves more than a dozen emails,” she shares.

Kara adds, “Direct communication builds trust and clarity. It shows that there’s a person behind the coordination, encouraging teamwork.”

Andrew agrees: “When the team knows you personally, they’re more likely to follow protocols and work with you to resolve challenges.”

These relationships help ensure testing processes are understood and followed, strengthening care delivery.

Advice for New POC Coordinators

For newcomers to the role, Josephine, Andrew, and Kara offer insights from experience.

Josephine advises, “Lead with empathy. Understand your team’s challenges and show how your work supports patient care.”

Andrew highlights lifelong learning. “No two facilities are the same. Stay adaptable, informed, and open to change.”

Kara recommends staying organized. “Track training, maintenance, and competency. Being proactive is key to sustaining quality and safety.”

Celebrating POC Coordinators During Lab Week

As Lab Week approaches, we honor the crucial work of POCT Coordinators. Josephine, Andrew, and Kara exemplify how dedication to training, equipment management, and collaboration supports timely, accurate patient care.

This Lab Week, let’s recognize not only the history of the profession but also the ongoing contributions of those who lead at the point of care.

For more on Lab Week’s origins and evolution, check out our companion article.

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WSLH PT Blog

Remembering Dr. Stanley Inhorn’s Legacy

Posted on March 4, 2025 by flowerme

Advancing CLIA, Clinical Proficiency Testing & Public Health

Dr. Stanley Inhorn’s profound influence on clinical laboratory standards and proficiency testing in the United States cannot be overstated. As a twice-serving director of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), he played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory framework that ensures laboratory quality and patient safety to this day. With his recent passing, Dr. Inhorn has left behind a remarkable legacy in the field of laboratory medicine. His obituary recounts just some of his many accomplishments and ways to honor his legacy. Dr. Inhorn’s contributions to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967 (CLIA-67) and later to the 1988 revisions (CLIA-88) reflect just a facet of his lifelong dedication to improving laboratory practices and public health.

Laying the Foundation for Laboratory Quality Assurance

Dr. Stanley Inhorn’s dedication to cytology and laboratory best practices played a crucial role in the development of Proficiency Testing, which later became a cornerstone of CLIA regulations. In 1960, WSLH participated in a major community initiative to promote the newly introduced Pap smear test for early cervical cancer detection. Inhorn dedicated countless hours to training personnel in family planning clinics, ensuring they could properly prepare and accurately screen Pap smears—both critical steps for the test’s effectiveness.^[¹^]

His efforts in training personnel to properly prepare and analyze Pap smears highlighted the critical need for standardized laboratory practices to ensure accuracy in diagnostic testing. As a leader in the American Society of Cytopathology, Inhorn helped establish quality benchmarks for cytology laboratories, reinforcing the importance of oversight and competency assessment. These early initiatives in cytology set the stage for the broader implementation of Proficiency Testing, ensuring that laboratories met rigorous standards and ultimately influencing the regulatory framework that CLIA would later formalize.

Dr. Inhorn’s work in clinical laboratory quality assurance began in the mid-1960s, during a period of rapid healthcare expansion in the United States. With the introduction of Medicare in 1966, the federal government took a stronger interest in ensuring that laboratory testing met rigorous quality standards. As Dr. Inhorn noted in an interview, “If the government was going to pay for health services, they determined they had to have standards.”

Recognizing the critical need for laboratory oversight, Dr. Inhorn and his colleagues at WSLH established the Laboratory Improvement Division in 1966, This division, known today as WSLH Proficiency Testing, became the first PT provider of a public university to provide external quality assurance for U.S. facilities. Under Inhorn’s leadership at WSLH, the program set a precedent for what would later become national regulatory standards.

CLIA-67 and the Role of Proficiency Testing

In 1967, Dr. Inhorn was invited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help draft the proficiency testing standards that would become a cornerstone of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1967 (CLIA-67). Alongside a team of experts, he developed essential laboratory quality guidelines, including standards for personnel qualifications and test complexity categorization. His work established the three-tier classification system for laboratory tests—complex, intermediate, and waived—that remains in place today.

This early legislation mandated that U.S. facilities, primarily independent and hospital laboratories, undergo routine clinical proficiency testing to maintain certification, ensuring that test results were accurate and reliable across different facilities. Dr. Inhorn’s collaborative efforts helped shape a regulatory framework that continues to safeguard patient care by ensuring facilities across the United States get accurate and reliable testing results.

The Evolution of CLIA-88 and Beyond

As laboratory technologies advanced in the 1970s and 1980s, the need for updated regulatory standards became evident. Dr. Inhorn once again played a key advisory role in the revision process, contributing to CLIA-88, which expanded proficiency testing requirements and introduced stricter oversight for all facility types, not just independent or hospital laboratories. The updates reinforced the importance of standardized testing procedures, helping to minimize discrepancies in diagnostic results across the country.

Beyond his work with CLIA, Dr. Inhorn’s contributions to laboratory quality assurance extended into professional organizations and public health initiatives, including leading the establishment of state-wide laboratory systems, known under the L-SIP program. His leadership in this public health initiative earned him prestigious honors, including the Gold Standard Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL).

Beyond his work in public health laboratories, Dr. Inhorn remained active in several scientific organizations throughout his career and into retirement, including his service with the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, and American Society of Cytopathology (ASC). In 1981, Dr. Stanley Inhorn was awarded the Papanicolaou Award, the society’s highest honor.^[²^]

A Lasting Impact on Laboratory Medicine

Dr. Inhorn’s legacy endures in the systems and standards that govern laboratory medicine today. His vision for a structured, accountable, and high-quality clinical testing environment has had a lasting impact on patient safety and public health. The foundation he helped build at WSLH Proficiency Testing and beyond continues to support clinical laboratories in meeting and exceeding regulatory requirements.

As the field of laboratory medicine evolves with new technologies like molecular diagnostics and artificial intelligence, the principles Dr. Inhorn championed—accuracy, reliability, and continuous quality improvement—remain as relevant as ever. His dedication to clinical excellence set the standard for laboratory proficiency testing, ensuring that patient care is always guided by the highest standards of laboratory practice.

Dr. Inhorn’s passing marks the loss of a visionary leader, but his contributions will continue to shape the future of clinical laboratory medicine for generations to come. His impact on laboratory quality assurance and patient safety will remain a guiding force for the profession, serving as a lasting tribute to his invaluable work.

“Interview with Stanley Inhorn”. ohms.library.wisc.edu. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
Stanley Lee Inhorn”. com. February 21, 2025. Retrieved February 22,2025.