Laboratory Categories
Laboratories participating in the Clinical Bacteriology CMPT program are separated into peer categories (A, B, C, and C1) based on a recommended program-developed work-related weighted rating scale. The rating scale is based on complexity of samples processed.
Category A Labs
Large laboratories that process critical specimens such as blood cultures and CSF. Category A laboratories usually receive more complex samples such as fluids, blood cultures, deep wound, tissues and complex anaerobic cultures in addition to the challenges sent to less complex laboratories.
Category B Labs
Intermediate laboratories that have substantial volume, but may not perform all critical specimen types, including blood cultures. Category B laboratories receive Gram smears, urine, respiratory samples, superficial wounds, genital samples, and occasionally uncomplicated anaerobic cultures.
Category C Labs
Small laboratories that process urine, throat, and genital samples and refer the rest.
Category C1 Labs
These are set-up facilities only. These laboratories only receive smears for Gram staining.
All laboratory categories receive Paper Challenges which address pre-and post- analytic issues.
Samples included per shipment for each laboratory category
| Category | Samples for Culture | Slide for Gram staining | Paper Challenge | Supplementary Gram* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Samples 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 | yes | yes | 2 slides |
| B | Samples 1, 2, and 3 | yes | yes | 2 slides |
| C | Sample 1 | yes | yes | 2 slides |
| C1 | yes | yes | 2 slides |
*Only those laboratories ordering this program.
The assignment of a particular category to a laboratory is left to that laboratory and the responsible accreditation program to decide.
Contact CMPT Coordinator Esther Kwok for more information about our EQA programs
cmpt.path@ubc.ca 604-827-1754
