National Laboratory System
Initiative to Integrate Clinical Laboratories into Public Health testing
Objectives
Year 1 Objectives (2007):
• Assess 1) the current standard of practice for AST testing, 2) barriers to use of and compliance with AST standards, and 3) determine the training needs of small, rural clinical laboratories in MT, WY, ND, and SD. Based on the findings of this assessment, we will develop and either provide or assist in training and the practical application of AST standards in order to increase adherence to voluntary guidelines.
• Assess current standard practices for testing and reporting STDs at clinical laboratories that service Native American populations in MT, WY, ND, and SD. We will use the assessment and it’s results to promote adherence to testing guidelines and reporting standards.
Years 2 and 3 objectives (2008-2009):
• Continued assessment of AST practices through yearly surveys of laboratories. We will continue to refine AST educational opportunities targeting identified needs.
• Continued evaluation of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing at clinical laboratories that serve Native American populations in MT, WY, ND, and SD through data mining process and continued efforts to promote adherence to testing and reporting standards.
• Review status of electronic laboratory data reporting from rural, clinical laboratories in MT, WY, ND and SD to identify common ground that will promote reporting tests of public health concern to the appropriate public health authorities and improve rates of submission of isolates to state public health laboratories.
• Assess status of public health knowledge, communication, and training needs for rural, clinical laboratories in MT, WY, ND, and SD and establish sustainable mechanisms to strengthen/promote relationships between rural, clinical laboratories and local public health authorities.
