Find in Library

Objective . Sweat collected for testing should have quantity not sufficient (QNS) rate of ≤10% in babies ≤3 months of age. Michigan (MI) cystic fibrosis (CF) centers’ QNS rates were 12% to 25% in 2009. This project was initiated to reduce sweat QNS rates in MI. Methods/Steps . ( a ) Each center’s sweat testing procedures were reviewed by a consultant. ( b ) Each center received a report with recommendations to improve QNS rates. ( c ) Technicians visited other participating centers to observe their procedures. Results . A total of 778 infants were identified as positive via CF newborn screening over a 2-year period. The mean age at time of sweat test was 23.2 days (SD ± 13.0 days). The overall QNS percent decreased from 14.4% to 9.5% ( P = .04) during the study. Conclusion . This project and teamwork approach led to a decrease of sweat test QNS rates, opportunities to solve a common problem, and improved quality of care.