Error Reduction And Prevention

Question 1

Name the three Error Types in the Lab

Answer 1

Pre-analytical, Analytical, Post-analytical

Question 2

Define Quality Control in Pathology

Answer 2

Evaluation and measurement of the quality of a sampling process, and provision of consistent checks to identify and address errors to obtain accurate, precise and reproducible data.

Question 3

The role of Internal Quality Controls

Answer 3

To ensure day to day consistency of an analytical process. (Therefore helps determine whether patient results are reliable enough to be released)

Question 4

External Quality Assessment

Answer 4

A method that allows for comparison of a laboratory’s testing to a source outside the laboratory

Question 5

Proficiency Testing

Answer 5

Determines the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or measurements and is used to monitor laboratories’ continuing performance

Question 6

The role of external quality assessment and proficiency testing

Answer 6

To provide reliable information allowing laboratories to assess and monitor the quality status of internal procedures and processes, the suitability of the diagnostic systems, the accountability and competence of the staff, along with the definition of measurement uncertainty in laboratory results

Question 7

Quality Assurance

Answer 7

Comprises everything that the laboratory does to assure a high quality service to its users. There are two kinds of process, Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assessment (EQA)

Question 8

Example of an Internal Quality Control Procedure

Answer 8

Analysis of materials with known concentrations of specific substances to ensure, in real time, that the analysis is producing reliable results.

Question 9

Define error

Answer 9

The failure of a planned action to be completed as intended or the use of a wrong plan to achieve an aim