moderately complex test

moderately complex test

A test defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) as one requiring basic lab knowledge and training for personnel performing the test. Moderately complex tests (MCTs) may require reagent preparation, limited pre-treatment of specimens, quality control, calibration, proficiency testing, some skill in troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, and some skill or judgement in interpretation of results. Most MCTs are relatively simple and, because they are portable, may be adapted for alternative site testing.
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References in periodicals archive ?
The sensitivity of the CLIA-waived test was 80%, compared with 82% for the moderately complex test. The specificity of the waived test was 95%; the specificity of the moderately complex test was not calculated because not all results were verified by culturing.
Simple Rapid Strep Test Meets Current Standards Less Expensively
As an example, Kay explained a moderately complex test that five years ago took seven reagents, 15 steps and 20 minutes for results.
MLO's gallery of experts presents key trends at CLMA 2003
If a lab chooses a moderately complex test menu and instrumentation, the entire testing staff can legally consist of high school graduates.
Selecting instruments with an eye to CLIA
The bill would further exempt individuals performing moderately complex tests in hospital, reference lab, and POL settings, provided that the lab director has certain practices and procedures in place and the individual performing the tests holds one of the following certifications: CMA(AAMA), RMA(AMT), or COLT(AMT).
Lab personnel licensure bills introduced in Texas, Missouri, Minnesota
Two tests (Quidel Quickvue Influenza test and ZymeTx Zstatflu test [R]) can be performed in any physician's office, and three are classified as moderately complex tests (Biostar FLU OIA; Becton-Dickinson Directigen Flu A+B; and Becton-Dickinson Directigen Flu A [TM]).
Considerations for distinguishing influenza-like illness from inhalational anthrax. (Notice to Readers)
In addition to the daily QC, any laboratory that carries out moderately complex tests is required to perform calibration verification (CV) on its instrument.
Blood gas: a brief anecdotal history by one who has been there
However, when the final rules for CLIA '88 were first published (57FR7165), there was disagreement over whether the rules exempted moderately complex tests, as well.
Calibration verification and CAP
The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) states calibration verification is only required for "modified" moderately complex tests. Since CAP does not recognize "moderate complexity"--everything is high complexity--I am confused.
Calibration verification
While no one is quite sure how many POLs were performing moderately complex tests before CLIA '88 was implemented, we know only 40% of POLs now are doing moderately complex tests.
The effect of CLIA '88 and managed care on the medical lab market
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) explained its offset to the inspection requirements of CLIA this way: "Because physicians have extensive medical training greater than that required by these regulations for personnel performing moderately complex tests, and because these tests are done in the context of a patient examination, we believe there is assurance that accuracy of testing can be maintained despite the lack of routine inspections."
Final (?) CLIA regulations create new testing category
To use the manufacturer's instructions for QC of moderately complex tests, the laboratory must follow these requirements:
Walking the straight and narrow on quality control
Labs performing only moderately complex tests must have employees who qualify and can perform specific functions in four areas.
CLIA '88 rules go final, HCFA details sweeping changes

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