Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASHI PT program recognized by the College of American Pathologists (CAP)?
ASHI is recognized by CAP as an alternative PT Provider.
Is the ASHI Proficiency Testing Program approved by CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services)?
CMS currently has no requirement or provision for approving HLA typing and HLA antibody testing surveys.
How do I order PT surveys?
Order forms can be obtained from the ASHI central office (Cecilia’s attention) or from the ASHI website with some further instructions.
How long do I have to report my proficiency testing results?
The date by which results are due is listed on the Survey Schedule, available on the ASHI Web Site. Due dates are also shown on the instructions received with the survey kit.
How are results submitted?
Results are submitted directly via the internet.
If my lab receives a Discrepant grade, are we required to submit a response to the ASHI PT Committee or Accreditation Review Board?
The ARB requires that a laboratory evaluate the circumstances surrounding any Discrepant grades it receives, and take any necessary corrective actions. The ARB reviews the laboratory’s follow-up to a Discrepant grade when the laboratory’s ASHI accreditation is up for renewal. The ASHI PT Committee never requires a response from a laboratory about Discrepant grades, however, if a laboratory feels a Discrepant grade is unfair or incorrect, they should contact, by letter or e-mail, Cecilia Blair at the ASHI Central Office (see below).
My lab is required to supply copies of the PT testing reports to the state. Will that be handled as part of subscription, as in other PT programs, or will I need to do that myself?
ASHI will forward testing reports to participant designated regulatory and other offices. Please contact Cecilia Blair at the ASHI Central Office. (see below)
What should I do if I did not receive my proficiency testing kit?
Please contact Cecilia Blair at the ASHI Central Office. (see below)
I noticed an error on our evaluation; will ASHI correct our evaluation?
Whether an evaluation is corrected depends on the type of error. Participants need to contact the ASHI central office and the inquiry will be directed to the appropriate individual for review. If the error is due to your transcription error or failure to complete the result form appropriately, your entry cannot be reevaluated.
What should I do if the results were submitted too late for evaluation?
The ASHI Proficiency Testing Committee has decided that late submissions will be not be accepted or evaluated, except in extraordinary circumstances. Any such requests need to be made to the ASHI central office.
Who should I contact regarding questions, feedback, or ideas for the ASHI PT program?
Please contact Cecilia Blair at the ASHI Central Office, (phone 1-856-642-4411 or email to )