Proficiency Testing in Clinical Toxicology: Program Sponsored by the Center for Disease Control

Abstract

Efforts by the Center for Disease Control to monitor and improve laboratory performance include proficiency testing of toxicology laboratories in the areas of drugs of abuse, drug overdose and therapeutic monitoring, blood lead, and environmental poisoning. Over 1,600 laboratories participate in these programs, the intent of which is to assist laboratories in identifying possible performance problems and to provide the subsequent input necessary to improve the quality of their performance.