A COMPUTER-PROGRAM THAT PERIODICALLY MONITORS THE ABILITY TO INTERPRET THE ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODY-TEST

Our laboratory has been developing computer programs that help medical technologists improve their performance of the microscope-based immun ofluorescence assay for antinuclear antibodies (ANA). This image-based laboratory test has been associated with poor reproducibility. We hav e previously described our first program, ANA-Tutor(TM), which systema tically teaches the ANA test by using similar to 150 processed digital images of ANA test results. The program we describe here, Pattern Plu s Anditor(TM), is a logical extension to ANA-Tutor. Pattern Plus Audit or tests the ability of laboratory personnel to interpret the ANA test , and tracks individual and laboratory performance over time. The prog ram consists of image-based questions that test a variety of ANA stain ing patterns, including homogeneous, speckled, centromere, nucleolar, mixed patterns, and rare patterns. For each question, the program prov ides correct answers with explanations and color overlays that highlig ht key image features. By entering the proper password, users gain acc ess to exam results for individuals and for the laboratory as a whole. Results are available for the current exam, any previous exam, or cum ulatively on all exams to date. Intralaboratory testing with computer programs such as Pattern Plus Auditor might be a useful part of qualit y-assurance procedures for many image-based laboratory tests.