What is recommended if proficiency testing results are unsatisfactory?

When proficiency testing results are unsatisfactory, implementing corrective actions immediately is critical to ensure that laboratory processes and outcomes meet established standards of quality and reliability. This approach is proactive and aligns with best practices in laboratory management and quality assurance. By promptly addressing the deficiencies highlighted in the proficiency testing results, laboratories can identify the root causes of the issues and make necessary adjustments to protocols, training, or equipment as needed.

Corrective actions may include retraining staff, recalibrating instruments, or reviewing and amending standard operating procedures. This not only helps to rectify current problems but also supports ongoing improvement and compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately enhancing the validity of test results and patient safety.

Ignoring the results can lead to compounding errors and undermine the integrity of the laboratory's output. Conducting a full audit of the laboratory may be necessary in some circumstances, but it is a broader and more time-consuming process that may not immediately address the specific issues identified by the proficiency testing. Similarly, simply repeating the proficiency testing without implementing corrective actions would be ineffective if the underlying issues remain unresolved, as it could result in the same unsatisfactory outcome.