The Toxicology Laboratories at the Mater Dei Pathology Department have placed in the top three lab category in an LGC Standards External Quality Control test.

This was for a Performance Score result received last November in relation to the Case Study Proficiency Testing scheme.

The clinical interpretation report was written by Dr Michelle (k/a Mikhaila) Muscat, Consultant, the Chemical Pathologist in charge of the Toxicology Lab and the analysis was performed by Mr. Jonathan Vella, Senior Scientific Officer.

The Pathology Department is headed by Dr Christopher Barbara, the Clinical Chairperson.

LGC Standards has its headquarters in Lancashire, UK and provides Proficiency Testing (PT) of various kinds to a global network of subscribed laboratories. Proficiency testing is required for laboratory accreditation; it is central to ensuring lab quality and allows laboratories to benchmark performance.

The Case Study scheme involves different participating labs receiving samples accompanied with a fictitious patient story and then followed by questions in relation to interpretation and to the list of substances detected.

The total score includes identification/quantitation scores and interpretation scores. This comprises of correlating patient presentation with the chemical findings.