Objectives

This study will help assess the effectiveness of educational and practical experience policies and procedures dedicated to the laboratory efforts in maintaining technologist skills in the morphological assessment of Gram stains. Participation in this study will help management assess the technologists ability to evaluate Gram stains using online whole slide images. These cases provide a standardized review and evaluation for each technologist. The study will help management meet applicable CLIA, CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, and The Joint Commission laboratory requirements for personnel competency and consistency of reporting amongst staff.*

Data Collection

A series of online whole slide images of Gram stained smears using DigitalScope technology will be provided to each participating institution to assess technologists ability to detect various microorganisms. Technologists will provide information about their work experience related to Gram stains, continuing education, and professional background. Information will be collected from each laboratory site to provide information about their continuing education requirements in microbiology, as well as relevant laboratory procedures and policies related to Gram stain assessment.

Performance Indicators

• Individual technologist score for each Gram stain case, and overall based on a standardized competency assessment method
• Overall laboratory score based on the facility’s individual technologist performance(s)
• Reports are provided at institution and technologist levels. A summary of responses to the general questions will be provided for participants.

Program Information

Your Reports – What to Expect:

• A Participant Summary Report explaining the grading criteria for each case and how to read the reports.
• An institution report with your facility’s score summary with comparison to other institutions and a technologist score summary by case for each participant.
• An individual report for each participant listing their responses and score for each case.
• A Data Analysis and Critique report with analysis of the institution and participant scores, author commentary about each case, and links to annotated slides.

To meet your staff comparative morphology and technical competency assessment requirements:

• Result forms for up to 10 technologists (QPD10)
• Result forms for up to 25 technologists (QPD25)
• Multiple kits may be purchased to accommodate quantity needed

Shipping Schedule

D Mailing: August 3, 2026

Additional Information

*Participation in this study helps laboratories meet:

• CLIA personnel requirements (Subpart M, 42 CFR §493.1)
• CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program Microbiology Checklist statement MIC.11060, Culture Result Reporting, personnel performing Gram stains for this purpose are subject to competency assessment; MIC.11350, Morphologic Observation Evaluation, the laboratory evaluates consistency of morphologic observation among personnel performing microscopic analysis (eg, stains, wet preparations) from direct specimens and cultured organisms at least annually. The laboratory director or designee must determine acceptability criteria for agreement.
• CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program Checklist items: GEN.55500, element 5, Competency Assessment of Testing Personnel; GEN.55525, Performance Assessment of Supervisors/Consultants; DRA.11425, functions or responsibilities are properly performed by a qualified individual.
• The Joint Commission standards HR. 01.05.03, 01.06.01 (EPs 3, 18, 19), HR 01.07.01, PI.03.01.01 (EPs 3-5), and LD.04.05.01, 04.05.03 (EPs 1-6) regarding in-service training, continuing education, competency, and evaluation of staff members.