The Use of Static Telemedical Applications of Cytopathology for Proficiency Testing

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Archondakis
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
File Transfer ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Iso 15189 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ultrasonographic Guidance ◽  
Histological Confirmation

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of developing an external quality control program for cytopathology labs wishing to be accredited according to ISO 15189:2007, by using low cost telemedical applications and solutions. One hundred twenty four fine-needle aspiration specimens from patients preoperatively aspirated under ultrasonographic guidance and on 104 pap smears with histological confirmation were retrospectively selected from the department’s registry. Three diagnostic categories of cytological reports were used. Ten characteristic images from each case were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for re-mote review by five independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers also commented on overall digital image quality. Contributor’s and reviewer’s diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of digitized images and conventional slides.

The Use of Static Telecytology Applications for Accreditational Purposes

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 24-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Archondakis
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Pap Smears ◽  
File Transfer Protocol ◽  
File Transfer ◽  
Iso 15189 ◽  
Diagnostic Categories ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ultrasonographic Guidance ◽  
Histological Confirmation

This study aims to examine the feasibility of developing a proficiency testing scheme for cytology labs wishing to be accredited according to ISO 15189:2012, by using low cost telemedical applications. Two hundred forty-eight fine-needle aspiration specimens from patients preoperatively aspirated under ultrasonographic guidance and 208 pap smears with histological confirmation were retrospectively selected from the department's registry. Three diagnostic categories of cytological reports were used. Ten characteristic images from each case were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. Contributor's and reviewer's diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of digitized images and conventional slides.

scholarly journals Implementation of Precaptured Videos of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Specimens for External Quality Control Purposes

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Archondakis S ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Proficiency Testing ◽  
Video Quality ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Cytological Diagnosis ◽  
File Transfer ◽  
Iso 15189 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration ◽  
Needle Aspiration Cytology

Objective: The objective of this study was examine the feasibility of developing a proficiency testing scheme for cytology labs wishing to be accredited according to ISO 15189:2012, by using videos captured by static telecytological applications. Methods: The current study was carried out on 252 adequate specimens of 157 patients, retrospectively selected from the department’s registry. In all cases, surgical excision followed the initial cytological diagnosis. Three diagnostic categories of cytological reports were used. All cases were confirmed by histological diagnosis of surgical specimens. One representative video from each case was transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by 3 independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers commented on overall digital video quality. Contributor’s and reviewer’s diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. Results: Statistical evaluation of cytological diagnoses detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of precaptured videos and conventional slides. The overall interobserver agreement was ranging from substantial to almost perfect. Conclusions: Videos production by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for cytological diagnosis validation. It is a prompt and valid method for quality assessment and proficiency testing and can be integrated into daily workflow. Pre-captured videos can improve significantly small cytology departments’ quality indices. Precaptured videos can also be used for teleconsultation and second opinion purposes and improve the performance of the already existing static telecytology stations.

scholarly journals Implementation of a Blind Quality Control Program in Blood Alcohol Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 630-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackeline Moral ◽  
Callan Hundl ◽  
Dayong Lee ◽  
Maddisen Neuman ◽  
Aimee Grimaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Proficiency Tests ◽  
Science Center ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Declared proficiency tests are limited in their use for testing the performance of the entire system, because analysts are aware that they are being tested. A blind quality control (BQC) is intended to appear as a real case to the analyst to remove any intentional or subconscious bias. A BQC program allows a real-time assessment of the laboratory’s policies and procedures and monitors reliability of casework. In September 2015, the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) began a BQC program in blood alcohol analysis. Between September 2015 and July 2018, HFSC submitted 317 blind cases: 89 negative samples and 228 positive samples at five target concentrations (0.08, 0.15, 0.16, 0.20 and 0.25 g/100 mL; theoretical targets). These blood samples were analyzed by a headspace gas chromatograph interfaced with dual-flame ionization detectors (HS-GC-FID). All negative samples produced `no ethanol detected’ results. The mean (range) of reported blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) for the aforementioned target concentrations was 0.075 (0.073–0.078), 0.144 (0.140–0.148), 0.157 (0.155–0.160), 0.195 (0.192–0.200) and 0.249 (0.242–0.258) g/100 mL, respectively. The average BAC percent differences from the target for the positive blind cases ranged from −0.4 to −6.3%, within our uncertainty of measurement (8.95–9.18%). The rate of alcohol evaporation/degradation was determined negligible. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to compare the % difference in BAC among five target concentrations, eight analysts, three HS-GC-FID instruments and two pipettes. The variables other than target concentrations showed no significant difference (P > 0.2). While the 0.08 g/100 mL target showed a significantly larger % difference than higher target concentrations (0.15–0.25 g/100 mL), the % differences among the higher targets were not concentration-dependent. Despite difficulties like gaining buy-in from stakeholders and mimicking evidence samples, the implementation of a BQC program has improved processes, shown methods are reliable and added confidence to staff’s testimony in court.

scholarly journals Assessment of dosimetric parameters in mammography employing a homemade ionization chamber

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Oliveira da Silva ◽  
Linda V. E. Caldas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Ionization Chamber ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Sensitive Volume ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Air Kerma ◽  
Breast Phantom

X-ray mammography examination is the reference tool to discover breast cancer in an early stage. The mammography unit must follow an accurate quality control program that covers both patient and staff radiation protection. Plane parallel ionization chambers are the reference instrument for dosimetry in mammography beams, but they can represent higher cost for small clinics in countries as Brazil. In this work, it is presented a low cost ionization chamber for mammography X-rays energy range dosimetry developed at IPEN.  The homemade ionization chamber has a sensitive volume of 6.0 cm3 and it was utilized to execute quality control tests in two distinct mammography systems: a GE Senographe DMR-plus and a Philips VMI Graph Mammo. The setups for the tests performed agreed with the IAEA HHS 2 and 17 recommendations. A breast phantom of various PMMA thicknesses was utilized in this work. The homemade ionization chamber performance was compared to that of a commercial one. The maximum difference between the incident air kerma measured with the reference ionization chamber and the developed one was only 5.62% for the GE equipment and only 4.42% for the Philips equipment. The homemade ionization chamber presented an excellent performance in incident air kerma and HVL measurements for the radiographic techniques utilized in the present work. All the results obtained were within IAEA specifications.

scholarly journals Comparison between Recorded and Measured Radiation Doses in Diagnostic Full-field Digital Mammography: A Phantom Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Akram Mahmoud Asbeutah ◽  
Ajit Brindhaban
Keyword(s):  
Digital Mammography ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Skin Dose ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Full Field ◽  
Full Field Digital Mammography ◽  
Tissue Equivalent ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mean Differences

Objectives: There are concerns regarding the difference between directly recorded and measured entrance skin dose (ESD) and average glandular dose (AGD) in full-field digital mammography (FFDM). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different exposure parameters on ESD and AGD recorded directly and measured from an FFDM unit using a phantom. Material and Methods: The ESD and AGD of 27 FFDM (craniocaudal [CC] projection) images of tissue-equivalent phantoms were acquired using a general electric (GE Senographe Essential) FFDM unit. The phantoms were used to simulate three different breast thicknesses and compositions. Tube potential, tube load, and target/ filter combinations also were recorded directly from the FFDM unit. Results: The mean differences between the directly recorded and measured ESD and AGD were 0.23 and 0.080, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for ESD and AGD were 0.1–0.36 and 0.04–0.10, respectively. Results of paired t-test showed statistically significant difference between the directly recorded and measured ESD (P = .001) and AGD (P < .001). A positive and significant correlation was noted between the directly recorded and measured ESD (r = 0.85, P < .001) and AGD (r = 0.91, P < .001). Conclusion: This observation confirms that we can use the directly recorded doses obtained from an FFDM for quality control program.

Implementation of pre-captured videos for remote cytological evaluation of salivary gland lesions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2199506
Author(s):  
Stavros Archondakis ◽  
Maria Roma ◽  
Kaladelfou Evropi
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Gland ◽  
Fine Needle Aspiration ◽  
Video Quality ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Video Production ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
File Transfer ◽  
Fine Needle ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cytological Evaluation

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of implementing videos captured by static telecytological applications for remote cytological evaluation of fine needle aspiration specimens from salivary gland lesions. Methods The current study was carried out on 102 fine needle aspiration specimens from salivary gland lesions with histological confirmation (benign lesions, 11; benign neoplasms, 68; malignant neoplasms, 23), retrospectively selected from the department’s registry. Videos were transferred via file transfer protocol to password-protected accounts for remote review by three independent cytopathologists. In addition to diagnosis, reviewers commented on overall digital video quality. Contributor’s and reviewer’s diagnoses were collected, recorded and statistically evaluated. Results Statistical evaluation of cytological diagnoses detected no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of pre-captured videos and conventional slides. The overall interobserver agreement was ranging from substantial to almost perfect with κ values of 0.71–0.89. Conclusions Video production by static telecytology applications can be used as an alternative method for telecytological diagnosis of salivary gland fine needle aspirations. Videos of salivary gland fine needle aspirations can be used for rapid and accurate diagnosis, by diminishing turn-around times and improving the quality indices of small cytology departments. They can also be used for archiving, teleconsultation, educational and second opinion purposes, improving the performance of the already existing static telecytology stations.

Spectraplot: A PC-based spectrum translation and display program

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 918-919
Author(s):  
H. O. Colijn
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
File Transfer ◽  
Transfer Data ◽  
Error Checking ◽  
Data Files ◽  
The University

Many labs today wish to transfer data between their EDS systems and their existing PCs and minicomputers. Our lab has implemented SpectraPlot, a low- cost PC-based system to allow offline examination and plotting of spectra. We adopted this system in order to make more efficient use of our microscopes and EDS consoles, to provide hardcopy output for an older EDS system, and to allow students to access their data after leaving the university.As shown in Fig. 1, we have three EDS systems (one of which is located in another building) which can store data on 8 inch RT-11 floppy disks. We transfer data from these systems to a DEC MINC computer using “SneakerNet”, which consists of putting on a pair of sneakers and running down the hall. We then use the Hermit file transfer program to download the data files with error checking from the MINC to the PC.

Lung Function Test for Workers and its Quality Control Program

1994 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Jung Keun Choi ◽  
Mi A Son ◽  
Hyun Kyung Kim ◽  
Domyung Paek ◽  
Byung Soon Choi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Lung Function Test ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Function Test

Increse of newly - detected in situ cancers in non-palpable breast lesions

2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-75
Author(s):  
N. Miletic ◽  
D. Stojiljkovic ◽  
M. Inic ◽  
M. Prekajski ◽  
A. Celebic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Tissue ◽  
Malignant Disease ◽  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Basal Membrane ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Screening Mammography ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Malignant Lesions

Great importance in detecting cancer in the phase of in situ lays in the fact that the epithelial layer is deprived of blood and lymph vessels, so metastases may develop only when basal membrane has been broken. This paper includes 46 operated women in whom it preoperatively had been verified suspect non-palpable lesion. The preoperative diagnostics included use of high- resolution mammography, aimed mammography, palpatory examination, as well as fine-needle aspiration (FNA), biopsy and cytologic analysis of the sample. The methodology of this work implies the use of stereotaxic marking, specimen mammography and ex-tempore pathohistology analysis. Out of 46 investigated patients in clinical stage T0N0M0, in whom there were no signs of malignant disease, and according to suspect lesion of initial screening mammography, malignant lesions of breast tissue were diagnosed in 19 patients (41%) intraoperatively. Three of these lesions (15,8%) were histopathologically verified as in situ. Comparing our results with data of the Institute of oncology and radiology of Serbia hospital registry (IORS) for the year 2001, from 1173 patients registered with malignant lesions, only 16 ones (1,4%) had in situ cancer, operated on the basis of the suspect mammography of clinical stage T0N0M0. Statistically significant difference was found related to the number of detected cancers in this early phase of the breast malignant disease. This limits surgical intervention to tumorectomy, with preservation of the remaining breast tissue, what brings to healing, justifying in that way, screening examinations and routine application of the most contemporary diagnostic procedures.

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