High Resolution Scanning Microscopy for Quality Assurance and Educational Applications (2009)
Description
This project sought to expand of the use of the Virtual Microscope purchased in 2004 for the Virtual Microscope project by providing high quality digital slides for education, training and quality assurance activities.
to provide high quality digital images for quality assurance, education and training purposes.
These aims and objectives were achieved by this project.
Outcomes
All diagnostic modules of the Anatomical Pathology Quality Assurance Program contained some virtual microscope images in 2007.
Two new modules were established using virtual microscope images only.
Virtual microscope images have been prepared on behalf of The Australian Animal Proficiency Standards Program for inclusion in their quality assurance program.
A training program was developed to respond to new HER2 positive breast cancer targeted therapy.
An initial pilot program using web-based software was undertaken in 2006 consisting of a number of questions and digital images for interpretation. Slides from composite blocks were provided for laboratory testing with each individual submitting interpretation of the HER2 CISH staining through Digital Slidebox.
Approximately 3500 slides have been scanned since 18 March 2008 for education and training purposes.
Various organisations and institutions have used the slide scanning technology for slide seminars and educational purposes. A project on behalf of Animal Health Australia has digitalised a large reference set of veterinary slides for the education of veterinary pathologists.
Virtual images of glass slides cases were put on the Anatomical Pathology website for participants to review when responding to surveys and reviewing results.
Slides from the Cytopathology QAP have been scanned for pilot surveys in their program.
A large collection of slides from the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute has been scanned for the production of rat brain atlases.
Development of a Quality Assurance Module for Human Papilloma Virus Testing (2008)
Description
The project sought to develop a quality assurance program (QAP) for the testing of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA by pathology laboratories. Two pilot studies were proposed, but only the results of Pilot Study One were included in this report.
Grant Recipient
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs Pty Ltd (RCPA QAP)
Aims and Objectives
to establish the best material and preparation method for specimens to issue to laboratories as a means of assessing laboratory testing performance for HPV DNA
to prepare two pilot studies so that the most suitable medium for HPV DNA specimens could be fully evaluated (Dry Swab and PreservCyt specimens)
to enlist 20 participants for each pilot study who were committed to providing feedback and suggestions to improve with each survey
to enlist further members of the HPV DNA committee so that each stage of the process in developing a quality assurance (QA) module could be fully evaluated.
to develop an appropriate questionnaire and website data entry screens that would be modified/adjusted in response to participant feedback/suggestions.
Most aims and objectives were achieved by this project, although it did not specifically address the best material and preparation method for specimens to issue to laboratories as per the first point above. Stability studies to confirm that shipping specimens at ambient temperature did not affect the integrity of the specimens were also ongoing.
Outcomes
Feedback for the website data entry included:
The number of digits for entering numbers needed to be extended (this was fixed immediately).
There was some confusion with the unit options available and being used by participants. This was reflected in the results downloaded at the conclusion of the survey and would be addressed for Pilot Study Two.
The use of multiple participant numbers for those receiving both the PreservCyt and Dry Swab specimens caused some confusion. This is unique to the pilot studies and will be simplified once the specimen type has been decided and implemented after Pilot Study One.
Findings
Pilot Study One showed the utility of a quality assurance program for the testing of HPV DNA.
The number of participants testing the Dry Swab panel was lower than for the PreservCyt specimens and direct comparison between testing these samples may not be appropriate.
The returned results suggest there is greater variability among participants using amplification methods than those using Hybrid Capture.
Recommendations
Possible survey results could be used during the next revision of National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) Guidelines.
The formulation of a second pilot study should continue taking into account the copy number evaluated and inconsistencies noted between participants with values and units reported for the Hybrid Capture methodology.
Preparing for Genomic Medicine: National Audit and Development of a Best Practice Approach (2009)
Description
This project involved an audit of genetic testing activity, development of an online catalogue of gene tests and genetic laboratories to assist clinicians, development of guidelines for reporting of genetic tests to medical practitioners and a national evaluation of molecular genetic quality assurance programs (QAPs) in Australia.
Grant Recipient
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)
Aims and Objectives
to integrate current genetic entries in the RCPA Manual Online with the new listing being developed
to conduct a comprehensive test run using submitted data from laboratories
to review and edit submitted own-data by each laboratory
the review of resources by the RCPA Manual Online editorial committee.
These aims and objectives were achieved by this project.
Outcomes
The first national survey of genetic testing activity across all service providers and regions that can inform policy decisions.
The first national online and updated catalogue of gene tests and genetic laboratories to assist clinicians to find which laboratory is offering a test.
The first national guidelines for the reporting of genetic tests to medical practitioners, including a structure for synoptic reporting. This is being incorporated into the revision of the relevant National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) standards.
The first international standard dealing with sample requirements in genetic testing.
