NHANES 2009-2010 Examination Data Overview

Automated Data Collection

Each MEC examination had computerized data collection. The examination component data entry systems had built-in quality control checks. Unusual data entries were flagged and a message was sent to the technicians. The technicians were required to either verify the original entry or edit the response. At the end of each examination session, data were sent to a central survey database.

Spanish Translations of Protocol Instructions

All NHANES brochures, consent forms, hand cards, protocols, and correspondence were produced in English and Spanish. All materials were translated as part of the NHANES, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved, forward translation process. Extensive training was completed with MEC staff to ensure the quality and comparability of staff interactions with Spanish-speaking respondents.

Technician Training

The qualifications for MEC laboratory, physician, dental, and health technician staff are described in the component training manuals. All MEC staff completed the requirements for safety, subject privacy and confidentiality, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. In addition, all staff completed component-specific training to learn the standardized NHANES protocol for each of the examinations they performed.

Quality Control Monitoring- General Procedures

Quality control measures included equipment calibration and observations of examinations in the field. Experienced trainers and observers monitored technician performance in the field. Periodic retraining sessions were conducted with the survey staff.

For a subset of examination components (e.g., body measurements, blood pressure and the dental examination), a "gold standard" examiner performed the second examinations during a site visit.

Consistency Checks

An extensive series of quality assurance and quality control analyses were completed for each examination component. The MEC examination component training manuals, provided with these data files, describe the measures taken in greater detail.

Data Preparation

Routine data preparation procedures included a review of frequency data, outliers, and technician notes. Analysts should review the data reported for each component or laboratory assay, prior to beginning data analyses. Analysts should examine the data spread and consider whether or not it is appropriate to include or exclude extreme values in a given analysis.