Revisions 2005:
A Look At The Updated ICAVL Standards [continued]
Summary
Of Revisions To Testing Standards
- All
duplex equipment used in the laboratory is now required to
have color Doppler capabilities.
- More
emphasis has been given to the need for written protocols
for all testing procedures, as well as adherence to those
protocols.
- A
minimum percent accuracy for all areas of testing have been
defined. If the laboratory's accuracy is below 70 percent,
a detailed plan for improvement is required before accreditation
can be granted.
- When
it is impossible for a laboratory to obtain the minimum required
number of correlations, alternative methods such as repeat
examination by a second technologist/sonographer at the same
visit, clinical outcomes, and over-reading of the final interpretation
will be considered.
- A
minimum of 30 limbs must be correlated for venous testing,
every three years. Previously there was no minimum correlation
defined.
You
are strongly encouraged to review the complete 2005 ICAVL
Standards and, in conjunction, make any necessary adjustments
to your laboratory's policies and protocols in order to reflect
the updated guidelines. If you have any questions regarding
the updated Standards or the accreditation process in
general, please contact the ICAVL office toll-free at 800-838-2110.
A
complete set of the 2005 ICAVL Standards
can be downloaded
at printed directly
from the ICAVL website at
www.intersocietal.org/icavl/apply/standards.htm
Or, simply log onto
www.icavl.org
and use the direct link to The Standards,
provided on the right side
of the front page. |
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