Toward optimal use of the cytology laboratory: quality improvement and cerebrospinal fluid specimens.
Review of 203 consecutive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens submitted concurrently to the cytology and hematology laboratories identified several quality improvement (QI) opportunities. Clinician/laboratory, interlaboratory, and intralaboratory issues are addressed. Data are utilized to formulate a multifaceted approach that would decrease patient expenditure, conserve laboratory resources, and improve the clinical value of CSF reports.
Walts
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Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
Strigle
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards; D007938:Leukemia / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011786:Quality Control; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000592:standards*