David,
there is nothing routine about a CLIA inspection.  I went througha CLIA
inspection two years ago and I'm still loosing sleep.  And this was just two
months after a CAP inspection without any deficiencies.  I'd rather go
through the toughest CAP inspection than a CLIA inspection anytime.
    CAP Question ANP.21350 states:"Does the histology laboratory maintain
records of the number of blocks, slides, and stains prepared?"
    At least the inspector gave you a heads up.  All we were told was when
the inspection was.  Good luck

Joe Nocito, BS, HT (ASCP) QIHC
Histology Manager
Pathology Reference Lab
San Antonio, Texas
----- Original Message -----
From: 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 11:17 AM
Subject: New CLIA Reg?


> We will have a routine CLIA inspection in few days.  The inspector was
kind
> enough to call me in advance and let me know that they will be inquiring
> about certain statistics that they have never inquired about before.
> Apparently this is something new.  They want the total number of slides
> (surgical path not cytology) that we prepared and examined on an annual
> basis, broken down by H&E, special stains, etc.  Has anyone else
encountered
> this before, and can you cite the relevant CLIA reg for this?  I have
placed
> a call about this to the CAP office in Washington, D.C., but have not had
a
> reply yet.  I am curious why CLIA wants this information and what they
will
> do with the information once they have it.  As far as I know, we prepare
> slides well within the standard of care, if not beyond.
> Thanks for your input.
> David Borel
> Dermatopathology Diagnostics
>