The CDC Laboratory Proficiency System PTS

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The CDC Laboratory Proficiency System (PTS)

• Overview for Laboratory Users

2
PT Introduction

• CDC has operated a laboratory proficiency testing
  (PT) program for fluoride in water since 1979.
  The PT program is a referenced-round of
  inter-laboratory comparisons to provide a
  national verification of technique.
• The participating laboratories provide quality
  control and assurance for their jurisdictions.
• CDC uses a Web-based interface to manage the data
  flow of the PT program. This presentation will
  provide users an orientation to this Proficiency
  Testing System (PTS).

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How the CDC PT Program Works

• Participating labs are reference labs for their
  state programs.
• At the beginning of each month, CDC mails each
  participating laboratory 60 mL of three
  solutions.
• Results are compared to reference-round standards.

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CDC sends reference rounds to state labs, and
then provides state Labs with comparison to
reference round value and to other participating
lab results.
Reported Reference
Measured Value
Split Sample and Measurement
Verified Split Comparison
(Approximately 6,500 Adjusted Systems)
State labs provide laboratory quality
verification with water systems through a split
sample comparison.
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PTS Features

• The CDC Proficiency Testing System (PTS) is a
  Web-based application for managing the data in
  the CDC PT Program.
• E-mail prompts to alert users of future actions.
• Entry of results and submission to the CDC.
• Allows users to maintain contact information.
• Access to enhanced reports.
• Access to online Help on PTS.

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E-mail prompts for laboratory users

• Laboratory users will receive an e-mail on the
  date of sample mailing to indicate a new round
  has initiated with key dates specified.
• E-mail reminders will be sent if submission has
  not occurred on a timely basis.
• Firm deadline will be established for each round.

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Logging into PTS

• Only registered laboratory users can log into
  PTS. When logging in, users will enter their
  E-mail address and password.

• If you have forgotten your password, enter your
  E-mail address and click the Forgot your
  password? link. A new password will be sent to
  you.

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Use navigation bar tabs to select action

• Users navigate by selecting the appropriate tab.

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Entering Monthly Results Summary

• Using the navigation bar, laboratory information
  can be viewed and the user can do the following
• Enter dates samples were received.
• Enter dates samples were analyzed.
• Select method used for analysis.
• Enter fluoride concentration results.
• Enter comments.
• Submit results to the CDC.

Use the Enter Testing Results tab in the
navigation bar.
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Entering Monthly Results Dates and Method

• The Enter Monthly Results section displays your
  lab information and allows you to do the
  following

Enter date samples received. Enter date samples
analyzed. Select analysis method.
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Entering Monthly Results

• After entering sample information, the middle
  area of the Enter Monthly Results section reports
  the three fluoride concentration results. Be sure
  to enter the numbers in the correct boxes. You do
  not need to enter decimal points as these are
  already provided between the boxes.

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Monthly Results Comments and Submission

• The lower area of the Enter Monthly Results
  section allows the user to enter optional
  comments. These comments, if entered, do not go
  to CDC, but will be printed on the performance
  report for that laboratory allowing a laboratory
  the opportunity to include in-house
  documentation of sample handling or issues.

Prepared fresh reference standard solutions, and
replaced Ion Specific Electrode.
After data entry in the upper, middle, and lower
sections of the Enter Monthly Results section is
complete, the Enter button prompts the system to
review results, allowing the user to make
corrections, if necessary, prior to submission.
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PTS will only accept complete information

• PTS will prompt the user to correct an entry if a
  submission error is detected

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Maintaining information for lab users

• The Lab Administration tab is the main section
  for maintaining information for your lab. From
  this tab you can do the following
• Request access for a lab user.
• View/Edit a lab users information.
• Delete a lab user.
• View/Edit a lab information.

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Requesting access for new lab users

• You can request access for new lab users by
  completing the Add Lab User section. This section
  is displayed by clicking the Add Lab User link
  on the Manage Lab Users tab.

• The CDC must approve all new users before they
  can be granted access to the system. When you
  request access for a lab user, the information is
  sent to the CDC. If the CDC grants the request,
  an E-mail is sent to the new user with
  instructions on how to log into PTS.

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Viewing/Editing user information and deleting
users

• You can view/edit user information and delete
  users from PTS as follows

To view user information, click the View
link. To edit user information, click the Edit
link next to your name. You cannot edit another
users information. To delete a user from the
PTS, click the Delete link next to the lab user.
A deleted user can no longer access the system.
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Viewing/Editing Lab Information

• You can view or edit your lab information.
• To view lab information, click View Lab
  Information.
• To edit lab information, click the Edit button in
  the View Lab Information section.
• Note You cannot edit the lab owner, lab type,
  and number of sample sets. This requires
  contacting CDC.

All fields can be edited by user unless the text
is in shadow format. Send changes to CDC for
those fields.
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Running PTS Reports

• Laboratories can run monthly reports in PTS to
  view information such as the results for a
  certain period, the acceptable range, sample
  condition, and the results of other laboratories
  using the same analytical method.
• To run a report, click the Reports tab.

Select the month desired. Click the View button.
The report is displayed in a separate window.
A quarterly report for all laboratories with
result summaries, trends, and comparison to other
laboratories can be sent to state dental
directors and drinking water administrators.
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Additional Users

• Although only registered lab users can enter
  data, other state program officials can log on to
  PTS to retrieve reports for laboratories in their
  state. This includes state dental directors and
  state drinking water. Adminstrators. These users
  only have report viewing privileges.

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The PTS Online Help

• Online Help is available in PTS. The Help
  describes the system in detail and contains
  procedures for performing tasks. To access the
  Help, click the Help link on the main PTS menu at
  the top right side of the PTS home page.

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Thats it!

• Your contribution is important. As a
  participating laboratory, you establish quality
  control of water fluoridation practice in your
  jurisdiction, ensuring improved health for
  consumers.