Improving Quality in Noninvasive Testing by Certification and Accreditation

Abstract

Over the last half century, noninvasive vascular testing has evolved from a research laboratory curiosity to a well-established clinical component in the management of patients with vascular disease. As with any new field, the search for high-quality work is a critical challenge. An important early step was developing appropriate education for the physicians and the technical staff who would ultimately be examining patients. But providing educational opportunities was only the first step in ensuring a quality operation. It was necessary to define prerequisite knowledge and experience, together with a determination of entry-level knowledge. This step was achieved in 1983 by establishing a certifying examination for vascular technologists. The second quality initiative was to define benchmarks for establishing and running of an examining facility. Relevant issues included quality of equipment, ongoing supervision, examination protocols, standardized diagnostic criteria, reporting standards, and validation studies. In 1991, a formal laboratory accreditation was established to provide a structured approach to this side of improved quality. Over the years, the combination of individual certification and laboratory accreditation has led in the effort to improve the quality of noninvasive testing.

Appendix

Education

www.oit.edu/programs/klamath-falls/medical-imaging-technology/vascular-technology/overview (Oregon Institute of Technology)

www.CAAHEP.org (education info)

www.svunet.org

Credentialing

www.ARDMS.org

www.CCI-online.org

Accreditation

www.icavl.org

www.acr.org