Correct Test Results Research Articles

Application of 2DPCA and SOM Algorithms to Identification of Digital Signature Ownership

<p class="Isiabstrak"><span lang="EN-US">Signature Is one of the proofs for ratification, one of which is a thesis document, with the development of the when conventional signatures have begin to switch to digital signatures, where digital signatures already have a legal umbrella in Indonesia, currently Covid is still hitting Indonesia, forcing some agencies change the ratification of a document using a digital signature, so that it can provide an opening for falsifying digital signature ratification. Therefore, an application is needed to identify the ownership of a digital signature image, with the first research stage is to collect a digital signature dataset in the form of a signature image or take a dataset from a published legal document, an example of a second stage publication manages the image processing with grayscale first to get extra features and then analyzes the extra feature image using 2DPCA, and identification To get the best matching of image units using the Single Organizing Maps (SOM) method. the results of this study are using the 2DPCA algorithm and SOM to identify ownership of digital signatures, with 84 correct and incorrect test results, from a total dataset of 91 patterns. And get the highest accuracy value of 92.3% at a 20000 translation and a rate of 0.9.</span></p>

Assessment of Carbon Monoxide in Exhaled Breath using the Smokerlyzer Handheld Machine: A Cross- Sectional Study.

Nicotine dependence is known to be a chronic remitting and relapsing addictive disorder. Among cancer patients who smoke, nicotine addiction has been found to be more when compared with smoking healthy individuals. Smokerlyzer machine can be used to test smoking substance use and de-addiction services can be provided at Preventive Oncology units. The objectives of the study include: (i) To assess eCO using a Smokerlyzer hand-held machine and correlate it with the smoking status, (ii) To assess the cut-off value for smoking use, and discusses the benefits of this method. In this cross-sectional study, healthy individuals at the workplace were tested for exhaled CO (eCO), which is used as a biological marker for monitoring the tobacco smoking. We discuss the feasibility of testing and its implications for cancer patients. The Bedfont EC50 Smokerlyzer machine was used to measure the concentration of CO in the end-tidal expired air. Among 643 study subjects, we found a statistically significant difference (P < .001) of median (IQR) eCO (measured in ppm) among smokers and non-smokers 2(1,5) vs 1(1,2). A significant and moderate positive correlation (Spearman rank correlation coefficient: .463) was observed between eCO and subjects who used cigarettes (measured in pack years). The ROC curve shows a cut off value for eCO as 2.5 with sensitivity 43.6% and 1 - specificity 2.76% (Specificity: 97.24%), which was rounded to 3. The area under the curve is 74.9%, which indicates a moderate discrimination performance of the test. The diagnostic accuracy of the test is 82.89%, which shows the proportion of correct test results. Estimating eCO in health care settings will enable monitoring the smoking substance use which has important impact on clinical outcomes. In cancer hospitals, when the goal is complete abstinence a stringent CO cutoff in the range of 3-4 ppm should be used.

A microfluidic diagnostic device with air plug-in valves for the simultaneous genetic detection of various food allergens

The identification of accidental allergen contamination in processed foods is crucial for risk management strategies in the food processing industry to effectively prevent food allergy incidents. Here, we propose a newly designed passive stop valve with high pressure resistance performance termed an “air plug-in valve” to further improve microfluidic devices for the detection of target nucleic acids. By implementing the air plug-in valve as a permanent stop valve, a maximal allowable flow rate of 70 µL/min could be achieved for sequential liquid dispensing into an array of 10 microchambers, which is 14 times higher than that achieved with the previous valve arrangement using single-faced stop valves. Additionally, we demonstrate the simultaneous detection of multiple food allergens (wheat, buckwheat, and peanut) based on the colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay using our diagnostic device with 10 microchambers compactly arranged in a 20-mm-diameter circle. After running the assays at 60 °C for 60 min, any combination of the three types of food allergens and tea plant, which were used as positive and negative control samples, respectively, yielded correct test results, without any cross-contamination among the microchambers. Thus, our diagnostic device will provide a rapid and easy sample-to-answer platform for ensuring food safety and security.

An immunosuppressed woman in her sixties with a high fever.

Investigation of fever in immunosuppressed patients can be challenging. Rapid and correct microbiological test results are essential for steering the investigation in the right direction. Our patient was eventually diagnosed with a condition that was initially suspected, but the time to reach a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis was unusually long.

Implementasi Pelaksanaan Ujian Sekolah Berbasis Komputer (USBK)

This study aims to describe or describe the stages and processes of implementing the Computer-Based School Examination (USBK) describing and explaining how the implementation of the Computer-Based School Exam, describing and analyzing the success rate of implementing the Computer-Based School Exam, describing the obstacles in the implementation of the Computer-Based School Exam in Indonesia. SMPN 5 Sungai Penuh City. This research method is a qualitative method with the type of case study research. The design of this research uses informants, namely principals, teachers, students and USBK operators. Teacher participants who teach in the classroom can be seen from the demographic data of participants in the form of gender, years of service, education level. USBK Research Results have a good impact on teachers, schools, and students. For teachers, by using a computer, it is easier to correct students' test results. For the USBK school, it helps to determine the quality and quality of school education and understanding of student learning materials, then students can increase their self-confidence and the value of honesty and transparency in the implementation of the exam. As well as being able to help students in understanding Technology, Conclusions, USBK is an alternative technology-based exam that makes it easy for all parties involved in the evaluation of student learning, the implementation of USBK at SMP N 5 Sungai Penuh City is running smoothly and has been well prepared by the school regarding the necessary facilities and infrastructure.&#x0D; Keywords: Implementation, Computer Based School Exam (USBK)

Laboratory investigations on the quality of leak tests and visual inspections of wastewater connection pipes carried out by specialist contractors

Abstract In addition to stability and operational safety, leak tightness is the permanent functional objective of wastewater pipes. Tests to determine the tightness of wastewater pipes can in some cases produce results that are worthy of discussion. Therefore, laboratory tests were carried out by 29 specialist contractors to obtain results on the quality of leak tests and visual inspections of connection pipes. The results showed that different test errors can be observed for leak test methods (air overpressure, air underpressure and water pressure). However, only in the case of the water pressure tests did the observed test errors occasionally lead to incorrect test results, i.e. the ‘leaking pipe’ was tested as ‘test passed (tight)’. The investigations into the accuracy (trueness and precision) of the test methods showed that all test methods examined were sufficiently accurate to determine the tightness of the connection pipes. In general, correct test results were achieved if the expert testers did not make any serious test errors and the test equipment used functioned properly. In contrast, the investigations on the quality of visual inspection showed that the procedure is not sufficiently reliable to fulfil all normative requirements regarding damage detection and naming as well as damage classification.

Automatic Segmentation of Lung Tumor from X-Ray Images Using Advance Novel Semantic Approach

In this modern era, the clinical laboratory has become more interested in obtaining correct test results, particularly when diagnosing pulmonary tumors. Lung tumors are critical for the diagnosis and treatment at different stages, including benign, malignant. This document focuses on the pulmonary segmentation function. The area of the tumor in the lung is measured by three steps. The first step is to acquire an image that reads and re-dimensions the pulmonary image. The second stage consists of the processing of the image using the median filter with histogram equalization (MFHE) technique. The third stage consist the segmentation process such as, the fuzzy c-means, Otsu and the region-based active contours toward the advanced semantic segmentation methodology indicated is checked. The results suggest that the overall estimate of the proposed methodology is more reliable. The segmentation results indicate that the proposed calculation improves the distinguishing of the tumor area. The performance indicators such as PSNR, MSE, SSIM and RMSE, Dice are five general to be calculated. The programming for MATLAB 2018 has been used to validate the algorithm for the effective tumor area evaluation. This proposed segmentation algorithm for radiographic images is the best automatic segmentation algorithm for tumors based on segmentation assessments. The segmentation results demonstrate that the proposed estimate improves the accurate identification of the tumor area.

Web Based Online Exam Application for Junior High School

Exam is one form of evaluation used to assess the delivery of lessons that have been taught by teachers to students. The test is conducted to measure the achievement of students as students. If the results of the evaluation of the student learning process are deemed not optimal, the teaching and learning process must be improved in terms of both quality and quantity. Conventional exams are currently considered less effective, because they require a large amount of money and take a relatively long time to correct test results. The purpose of this study is to facilitate students and teachers in the process of administering the exam and can increase the effectiveness of the exam. The method used in this research is the waterfall method. While the data collection technique using quantitative techniques. The result of this research is a web-based online exam application which is expected to make it easier for students to work on exam questions anywhere using available devices

Exemplification of Detecting Gas Turbine Blade Structure Defects Using the X-ray Computed Tomography Method

X-ray computed tomography is more often applied in non-destructive testing the quality of construction elements significantly crucial for reliability and safety of device elements, machines and complex industrial systems. This article describes the computed tomography (CT) system used to inspect the technical condition of turbine blades of the aircraft engine. The impact of the experimental conditions on the correctness of the obtained results was determined. The appropriate selection of parameters for the experiment was given, and the correct test results of gas turbine blades were presented. Failures, manufacturing defects, material deviations of nickel-cobalt alloyed blades were identified. The thickness of walls was measured in the selected cross-sections with the accuracy of 0.01 mm, and selected manufacturing defects of cooling passages were diagnosed. It was demonstrated that the application of the CT system allows for detailed non-destructive inspection of the technical condition of machine parts. The test results proved that the X-ray computed tomography could be applied in the production and repairs of machines.

The use of dried tube specimens of Plasmodium falciparum in an external quality assessment programme to evaluate health worker performance for malaria rapid diagnostic testing in healthcare centres in Togo

BackgroundThe use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to diagnose malaria is common in sub-Saharan African laboratories, remote primary health facilities and in the community. Currently, there is a lack of reliable methods to ascertain health worker competency to accurately use RDTs in the testing and diagnosis of malaria. Dried tube specimens (DTS) have been shown to be a consistent and useful method for quality control of malaria RDTs; however, its application in National Quality Management programmes has been limited.MethodsA Plasmodium falciparum strain was grown in culture and harvested to create DTS of varying parasite density (0, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 parasites/µL). Using the dried tube specimens as quality control material, a proficiency testing (PT) programme was carried out in 80 representative health centres in Togo. Health worker competency for performing malaria RDTs was assessed using five blinded DTS samples, and the DTS were tested in the same manner as a patient sample would be tested by multiple testers per health centre.ResultsAll the DTS with 100 parasites/µl and 50% of DTS with 200 parasites/µl were classified as non-reactive during the pre-PT quality control step. Therefore, data from these parasite densities were not analysed as part of the PT dataset. PT scores across all 80 facilities and 235 testers was 100% for 0 parasites/µl, 63% for 500 parasites/µl and 93% for 1000 parasites/µl. Overall, 59% of the 80 healthcare centres that participated in the PT programme received a score of 80% or higher on a set of 0, 500 and 1000 parasites/ µl DTS samples. Sixty percent of health workers at these centres recorded correct test results for all three samples.ConclusionsThe use of DTS for a malaria PT programme was the first of its kind ever conducted in Togo. The ease of use and stability of the DTS illustrates that this type of samples can be considered for the assessment of staff competency. The implementation of quality management systems, refresher training and expanded PT at remote testing facilities are essential elements to improve the quality of malaria diagnosis.

EFISIENSI ANGGARAN EVALUASI PEMBELAJARAN MELALUI PEMANFAATAN ANDROID BASED TESTING (ABT) DI MI MUHAMMADIYAH AJIBARANG KULON

This study aims to determine the efficiency of the learning evaluation budget by utilizing Android Bassed Testing (ABT). This research is a descriptive study, a type of research that seeks to describe a phenomenon that exists by describing data in words, and images. The approach in this study is a qualitative approach, namely research that intends to understand the phenomena about what is experienced by research subjects such as behavior, perception, motivation, action and holistically by means of descriptions in the form of words and language, in a special natural context and by utilizing various scientific methods. The results showed that the evaluation of ABT-based learning was very efficient because the madrasa did not need to duplicate the test questions manually, then the ABT also greatly assisted the administration of the teacher, because the teacher did not need to correct student test results.

Comparison of two immunoassays for concurrent detection of HCV antigen and antibodies among HIV/HCV co-infected patients in dried serum/plasma spots

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) assays offer the benefit of reducing the window period compared to assays that detect only HCV-Ab. In this study the performance of the Murex Ag/Ab (Murex, Abbott) and Monolisa Ag/Ab Ultra (Monolisa, Bio-Rad) ELISAs was compared for the use of filter dried serum/plasma spots (DS/PS) with a focus on the sensitivity and the percentage of correct positive test results. Correct positive ELISA results were assumed for samples that subsequently tested positive for HCV RNA by RT-qPCR, or RNA negative samples that tested positive in a Western blot (confirmed ELISA results). Sensitivity was evaluated from DS/PS eluates using HCV seroconversion panels [plasma samples of subtypes-(St) 1a, 2b)] and longitudinal HCV antibody positive serum panels (St 1b, 2b, 3a, and 4d). The proportion of correct positive test results was evaluated using 1102 newly diagnosed HIV positive clinical dried serum spots (DSS) eluates for screening of potential HCV co-infection. For the plasma HCV seroconversion samples, which were used as a reference for DSS eluates, the Murex became reactive earlier for antigen positive bleeds. However, for the HCV antibody positive eluates and dilutions thereof, the Monolisa demonstrated a superior sensitivity. Of the clinical DSS 22.8 % (28/123) of samples reactive in the Murex were negative in a subsequent RT-qPCR and Western blot, while only 1.9 % (2/105) of the samples reactive in the Monolisa were negative in these confirmatory assays. Our results indicate that the Monolisa provides fewer false positive results for HCV detection in DSS, whereas for undiluted plasma or serum samples, the Murex can serve as an additional diagnostic tool to narrow the window period.

Evaluating the clinical risk of biotin interference with the Elecsys® Troponin T-high sensitive assay

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) assays offer the benefit of reducing the window period compared to assays that detect only HCV-Ab. In this study the performance of the Murex Ag/Ab (Murex, Abbott) and Monolisa Ag/Ab Ultra (Monolisa, Bio-Rad) ELISAs was compared for the use of filter dried serum/plasma spots (DS/PS) with a focus on the sensitivity and the percentage of correct positive test results. Correct positive ELISA results were assumed for samples that subsequently tested positive for HCV RNA by RT-qPCR, or RNA negative samples that tested positive in a Western blot (confirmed ELISA results). Sensitivity was evaluated from DS/PS eluates using HCV seroconversion panels [plasma samples of subtypes-(St) 1a, 2b)] and longitudinal HCV antibody positive serum panels (St 1b, 2b, 3a, and 4d). The proportion of correct positive test results was evaluated using 1102 newly diagnosed HIV positive clinical dried serum spots (DSS) eluates for screening of potential HCV co-infection. For the plasma HCV seroconversion samples, which were used as a reference for DSS eluates, the Murex became reactive earlier for antigen positive bleeds. However, for the HCV antibody positive eluates and dilutions thereof, the Monolisa demonstrated a superior sensitivity. Of the clinical DSS 22.8 % (28/123) of samples reactive in the Murex were negative in a subsequent RT-qPCR and Western blot, while only 1.9 % (2/105) of the samples reactive in the Monolisa were negative in these confirmatory assays. Our results indicate that the Monolisa provides fewer false positive results for HCV detection in DSS, whereas for undiluted plasma or serum samples, the Murex can serve as an additional diagnostic tool to narrow the window period.

Detection and Diagnostic Overall Accuracy Measures of Medical Tests.

BackgroundOverall accuracy measures of medical tests are often used with unclear interpretations.ObjectivesTo develop methods of calculating the overall accuracy of medical tests in the patient population.MethodsAlgebraic equations based on Bayes’ theorem.ResultsA new approach is proposed for calculating overall accuracy in the patient population. Examples and applications using published data are presented.ConclusionsThe overall accuracy is the proportion of the correct test results. We introduce a clear distinction between the overall accuracy measures of medical tests that are aimed at the detection of a disease in a screening of populations for public health purposes in the general population and the overall accuracy measures of tests aimed at determining a diagnosis in individuals in a clinical setting. We show that the overall detection accuracy measure is obtained in a specific study that explores test accuracy among persons with known diagnoses and may be useful for public health screening tests. It is different from the overall diagnostic accuracy that could be calculated in the clinical setting for the evaluation of medical tests aimed at determining the individual patients’ diagnoses. We show that the overall detection accuracy is constant and is not affected by the prevalence of the disease. In contrast, the overall diagnostic accuracy changes and is dependent on the prevalence. Moreover, it ranges according to the ratio between the sensitivity and specificity. Thus, when the sensitivity is greater than the specificity, the overall diagnostic accuracy increases with increasing prevalence, and vice versa, that is, when the sensitivity is lower than the specificity, the overall diagnostic accuracy decreases with increasing prevalence so that another test might be more useful for diagnostic procedures. Our paper suggests a new and more appropriate methodology for estimating the overall diagnostic accuracy of any medical test. This may be important for helping clinicians avoid errors.

Return of test results in Vietnam HIV sentinel surveillance: Implementation and preliminary results

ObjectiveTo describe the implementation and preliminary results of returning HIV test results to participants in Vietnam HIV sentinel surveillance.IntroductionKnowledge of one’s HIV serostatus helps improve quality of life for those who test positive and decreases the risk of HIV transmission. WHO recommends that all participants in HIV prevalence surveys be provided access to their test results, especially those who test HIV positive [1]. Anonymous Vietnam HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS), implemented since 1994, focuses on people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM) [2]. According to national guidelines, the HIV testing algorithm for surveillance purposes was based on two tests whereas the diagnostic algorithm for individuals was based on three tests. Thus, surveillance test results could not be returned to participants [3] who were instead encouraged to learn their HIV serostatus by testing at public confirmatory testing sites.In 2015, a three-test strategy was applied as part of HSS so that test results could be returned to participants.MethodsIn 2015, return of HIV test results was implemented as a pilot in 16 HSS provinces. HSS participants were asked to identify which of the designated HIV testing and counselling centers (HTC) in the province was most convenient for them. Participants were then given appointment cards with an assigned survey ID to receive their test results at the chosen venue at a specific date and time. Specimens, with assigned survey IDs, were transferred to the respective HIV laboratory at the Province AIDS Center (PAC) for confirmatory testing. The same three-test algorithm was used for surveillance purposes as well as to return confirmatory test results to participants [3]. Final test results were classified as “positive”, “negative” or “indeterminate”. HIV confirmatory test results were made available at all designated HTC in the provinces within 10 days after blood collection; thus, if a participant presented at a location, date or time that differed from the appointment card, s/he could still receive the test result. In some settings in which provinces integrated HSS with either static or mobile HTC, three rapid tests were used at point-of-care so that same-day test results were available. In this case, participants received test results at the end of the specified time regardless of their infection status.At the HTC, individuals showed their appointment cards. The IDs were used to identify the correct test results which were then given verbally to participants by HTC counsellors. Test results were not returned by phone or email. Individuals who tested positive were immediately referred to HIV treatment and other available health/social services in the province.The proportion of participants who received their test results was calculated for each survey group and province.ResultsThe number of provinces that reported returning of HIV test results in 2015 and 2016 were 14 and 15, respectively. Overall, among 15,530 persons tested through HSS in 2015 and 2016, 7,354 persons returned to receive their test results. The proportion of participants who returned for test results varied by province and survey population (table 1). In some provinces where HSS was integrated with HTC, such as Hai Phong and Dong Thap, 100% of participants received their test results within a day [4].ConclusionsReturning HIV test results to HIV surveillance participants is feasible and beneficial in low-income countries like Vietnam. This enhancement facilitates participants learning their serostatus and contributes toward Vietnam’s achievement of HIV control [4]. Based on the pilot experiences, Vietnam Ministry of Health decided to extend test result notifications to all 20 HSS provinces in 2017.Key factors that contributed to the success of the activity were fast turnaround time, roles and level of commitment of PAC, and coordination between the survey and HTC. The returning rate in HSS 2015 and 2016 are promising but these could be improved further. Better coordination and commitment between the survey and HIV testing service are needed to further increase return rates so that HIV-positive individuals can learn their serostatus and be better linked to care and treatment services.

Identification of cardiotoxic ornamental plant species commonly found in Thailand by DNA analysis

This research provided a forensic investigative tool for the detection and identification of cardiotoxic ornamental plant commonly found in Thailand. Species-specific primers were designed from polymorphisms in the ITS region of 6 cardiotoxic ornamental plant species, which are Adenium obesum, Calotropis gigantea, Cerbera odollam, Nerium oleander, Strophanthus gratus, and Thevetia peruviana. Sizes of expected PCR products from R_AO02/ITS3G, R_CG02/ITS3G, R_CO04/ITS5, R_NO12/ITS5, R_SG07/ITS3G and R_TP06/ITS3G are 358, 290, 282, 231, 226 and 165-bp, respectively. A positive test control primer pair was designed from a conserved region in the rbcL gene to confirm the validity of DNA sample for PCR-based analysis. Under the optimal PCR condition, results showed that all primer pairs amplified PCR products of correct sizes. Amplification results were reproducible when tested against at least 10 individual plants of each species. Each of these primer pair did not PCR-amplify the other 5 non-target cardiotoxic plant species, 14 non-target plant species, nor human DNA. Correct test results were also obtained when tested with DNA mixture. For agarose gel-based sensitivity testing, the minimum DNA quantities that R_AO02/ITS3G, R_CG02/ITS3G, R_CO04/ITS5, R_NO12/ITS5, R_SG07/ITS3G and R_TP06/ITS3G can detect are 0.005, 0.001, 0.5, 0.01, 0.005 and 0.001 ng, respectively. Agarose gel-based analysis was possible for mock forensic-type specimens, such as dried leaf fragments and tea leaf infusions, but limit to specimens digested by artificial gastric juice.

Rigorous back analysis of shear strength parameters of landslide slip

A rigorous back analysis of shear strength parameters of landslide slip was presented. Kinematical element method was adopted to determine factor of safety and critical failure surface, which overcomes the disadvantage of limit equilibrium method. The theoretical relationship between the combination of shear strength parameters and stability state was studied. The results show that the location of critical slip surface, F/tan ϕ and F/c depend only on the value of c/tan ϕ. The failure surface moves towards the inside of slope as c/tan ϕ increases. According to the information involving factor of safety and critical failure surface in a specific cross-section, strength parameters can be back calculated based on the above findings. Three examples were given for demonstrating the validity of the present method. The shear strength parameters obtained by back analysis are almost consistent with their correct solutions or test results.

Proficiency of drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against pyrazinamide: the Swedish experience

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a key drug in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant TB. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against PZA is not included in the World Health Organization's yearly proficiency testing. There is an increasing need to establish quality control of PZA DST. To evaluate the performance of PZA DST and to introduce a quality assurance system for the test in Sweden. Panels with PZA-susceptible and -resistant isolates were used in three rounds of proficiency testing in all five Swedish clinical TB laboratories and our reference laboratory. All laboratories used the MGIT 960 system. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined and the pncA gene was sequenced to further characterise the 52 panel strains. Good agreement was seen between the phenotypic PZA DST and pncA sequence data, and MIC determination confirmed high levels of resistance. However, in contrast to other drugs, for which correct proficiency test results were observed, specificity problems occurred for PZA DST in some laboratories. In Sweden, using panel testing, differences were seen in the proficiency of TB laboratories in correctly identifying PZA susceptibility. Improved results were noted in the third round; PZA has therefore been included in yearly proficiency testing.

PS2-45: Conducting Multi-site Quality Assurance on Laboratory Results Data Incorporated into the Virtual Data Warehouse

Background/AimsAssuring that complete and correct laboratory test results are brought into the VDW and associated with the correct Test_Type is an ongoing task. Many problems can occur. For example, a particular version of a test can incorrectly be left out when the data are extracted. Results can be duplicated, or results can be associated incorrectly with a Test_Type. Creating quality assurance checks to locate problems or validate data requires evaluating the same data record from several different angles.MethodsWe conducted quality assurance on numerous laboratory test results that had been incorporated into VDW format across as many as 11 HMORN sites. Quality assurance programs were written to provide counts of test results across sites and over time. These programs also detailed result values, result units, patient location, result location, and other specific metrics. Descriptive statistics and graphical displays were used to facilitate assessment of across-site data variability and identify potential data quality issues. Sites were provided their site-specific results and results for all participating sites.ResultsMasking site information, we will show examples of quality assurance checks and depict what type of problem each is designed to point out. Examples may include incorrectly mapped tests (e.g., ?hemoglobin? test results where the result unit was in percent and was determined to actually be glycosylated hemoglobin results) and tests that require investigation by the site because the result unit is possible, but unusual (e.g., total cholesterol units of g/dl require verification of g/dl unit and conversion to mg/dl before use or verification that g/dl was entered or read incorrectly). Other examples can include the volume of test results now contained within the VDW (e.g., total cholesterol total n is over 26.6 million results).ConclusionsLaboratory result quality assurance requires assessment of problems as well as verifying expectations and standardizing data presentation. Multi-site comparisons, comparisons of multiple associated tests at one site, and in depth cross tabulation of single site data play a part in assuring accurate, complete laboratory data.

The Endoscopist's Influence on Endoscopic Test Characteristics

Diagnostic tests whose outcome cannot be read from a simple continuous scale depend on human performance in the attainment of correct test results. Endoscopic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract epitomize a cat-egory of tests that rely greatly on the skills and dexterity of the human tester. Besides the sensitivity and specificity of the associa-tion between the disease and its endoscopic correlate, any outcome of endoscopy is also influenced by the endoscopist’s ability to find the essential diagnostic parameter and inter -pret it correctly. In the usual description of test characteristics, all factors that influence the test outcome are analyzed jointly and described in terms of overall sensitivity and specificity, without differentiation between varying human and disease-specific contri-butions to the overall test performance (1). The majority of outcomes in gastrointestinal endoscopy, however, are markedly influ-enced by the skills and knowledge of the individual performing the test. Situations frequently arise in gastrointestinal endos-copy in which there is a highly sensitive and specific relationship between a disease and its endoscopic appearance, yet the descrip-tion of the endoscopic appearance may become partially compromised by the lim-ited skill set of the endoscopist. The aim of this study is to illustrate how the endoscopist contributes to the overall test characteristics of an endoscopic procedure.