Alternate-site testing. Consider the analyst.

The ability to perform accurate and precise testing in sites outside the main clinical laboratory is more dependent on the quality of the individual performing the alternate-site testing (AST) than on any other factor. Most of these individuals have little or no laboratory training or experience. The central laboratory must take responsibility for training AST analysts, monitoring their performance (testing, QC, PT, and QA), and certifying their competence. Regular retraining and recertification must be performed.