Results-Based Accountability Success Story

Turn the Curve Action Plan Details

Story Behind the Curve: 

• Rapid identification of diseases, infection, or contamination is integral to the implementation of appropriate and timely public health interventions to prevent further harm.
• Rapid identification is critical in order to give officials time to determine the proper course of actions to minimize contamination, exposure, or illness.
• The target turn-around of 95.0% of samples reported out within published turn-around times was met in Q1 (96.1%), Q2 (98.4%), Q3 (97.7%),and Q4 (96.4%) resulting in a cumulative percentage of 97.1%.
• SLD was able to meet the target in spite of staffing vacancies, increased demands on staff time due to the Laboratory Information Management System upgrade testing, and increased sample load also experienced during the same time frame in FY16.
• SLD implemented cross-training, as staff was available, which helped in meeting the target for this performance measure.
• SLD strives to maintain the targeted turn-around times by addressing challenges in a timely manner. We will continue to serve New Mexicans with the highest quality and most efficient program by filling vacancies as budget allows.

Partners: 

• Healthcare facilities
• Epidemiologists
• Public safety officials
• New Mexico Department of Agriculture
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), Public Health Division
• NMDOH, Epidemiology and Response Division
• University of New Mexico, Office of Medical Investigator
• Other State agencies as requested

What Works: 

• Training that keeps analysts up-to-date on current methods.
• Maintaining and updating equipment that allows for samples to be analyzed without interruptions.

Strategy: 

• Implementation of new methods and technologies. This includes new instrumentation for current analyses, new technologies for analysis, and implementation of new analyses.
• Implementation of new Information Technology. This includes configuration of new servers, upgrading the Laboratory Information Management System, and implementation of new reporting requirements.

Action Plan: 

• Complete MALDI-TOF validation and incorporated this new technology into the workflow. (Completed)
• Complete EPA audit of Environmental Microbiology. (Recertification received)
• Verify the performance of the updated Laboratory Information Management System. (Completed in Q3)
• Implement Dengue serology. (On hold due to staff shortage)
• Complete Norovirus real-time PCR validation. (On hold due to staff shortage)
• Begin process to become ISO certified. (In progress)
• Work with CDC to sequence Rabies virus strains, and participate in evaluation of the CDC rabies real-time PCR assay. (Completed)
• Developing the Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteria testing capability. (Validation begun in Q4)
• Prepare for College of American Pathologist’s inspection in fall. (In progress)
• Develop the Legionella ELITE(TM) test. (On hold)
• Develop the Dairy tetracycline testing program. (Completed, program in place)

Data Discussion: 

• The target turn-around of 95.0% of samples reported out within published turn-around times was met in Q1 (96.1%), Q2 (98.4%), Q3 (97.7%), and Q4 (96.4%) resulting in a cumulative percentage of 97.1%.
• SLD was able to meet the target by cross-training staff in spite of staffing vacancies, increased demands on staff time due to the Laboratory Information Management System upgrade testing, and increased sample load.

Additional Resources: