Author Archives: Yoko Tabe, MD

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About Yoko Tabe, MD

Award of Japan Society of Clinical Laboratory Medicine (2008) Research award of Tokyo medical association (2008)
Challenging the high volume of smears

Challenging the high volume of smears

Introduction
The advances in automated blood cell counter successfully provide the precise data of WBC, RBC, and platelet counts with leukocyte differentials. However, the differential information by blood cell counters is limited for cell morphologic features especially for abnormal and immature cells, and the morphological smear reviews triggered by specific flagging of automated analyzer are necessary. The criteria for manual action is depending on local guidelines, and review rates have been reported to vary from 9.9% – 50% in different laboratories 1.

At Juntendo University Hospital, Japan (1,020 beds, 4,000 outpatients/day, 1,500 CBCs/day), manual screens of blood smears were performed on 29.2% of CBC determinations. Under the requirements for faster… Read more »

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Yoko Tabe, MD, Juntendo University Hospital, Japan | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
New study demonstrates improved staff proficiency

New study demonstrates improved staff proficiency

In 2010 Yoko Tabe compiled the results of the quality project initiated by the Juntendo University Medicine Group in Tokyo, Japan, and just recently the study was published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology.

“Quality assurance was a decisive issue for us, Yoko Tabe explains. Using the CellaVision DM96 analyzer and CellaVision Competency Software for training we designed a program in which the staff effectively tested their skills in identifying and classifying blood cells.

We now see that the project has really resulted in improved staff proficiency and thus standardized analyses. It is very gratifying to know that we at the laboratory can contribute to providing our patients with better… Read more »

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Yoko Tabe, MD, Juntendo University Hospital, Japan | 1 Comment
Comparison of educational methods for medical students

Comparison of educational methods for medical students

Introduction
Digital imaging is a useful tool for laboratory hematology education. Although digital presentations (eg. digital atlases) are increasingly common for medical education, interactive multimedia programs have not been well established.

We therefore wished to develop a digital educational program of laboratory hematology for medical students, which is also utilized for proficiency testing. In our trials, we recognized that the CellaVision Competency Software is close to an ideal educational and testing program with its image-based, feedback approach. Immediately after testing, participants are shown their results, including a cell by cell comparison with examiner, and an attainment level compared to the other participants.

Materials and Methods
In this study, we utilized… Read more »

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Yoko Tabe, MD, Juntendo University Hospital, Japan | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment