Lab automation & quality control Flashcards
automation
the mechanization of the steps in a procedure
Why do we use automation?
Accommodate increased volume of tests
turnaround time
the total time it takes for the physician to get the test result back after it is ordered
test repertoire
how many tests/ analytes it can perform
dwell time
the minimum time required to obtain a result after the initial pipetting of the specimen by the instrument. Instruments that perform multiple tests have dwell times
throughput
the maximum number of samples that can be processed in an hour
cost
the resources consumed in producing a patient’s test results
Advantages of automation
lower labor costs
reduced error rates
increased analytical speed
increased capacity at little additional cost
Point of care testing (POCT)
testing that is done at the bedside or near the bedside and away from the central laboratory
Advantages of POCT
Short turnaround time, increased patient-physician interactions decreased specimen volume, low specimen acquisition cost, low preanalytical errors, lower lab fixed costs
Disadvantages of POCT
Increased cost of each test cartridge, decreased accuracy, high quality monitoring cost, increased liability
Quality management
designing a service or process that never fails or results in error
(Plan, design or organise protocols, which reduce failures or errors)
Quality management (3 parts)
control, improvement, assurance
Quality control
operational techniques and activities carried out to fulfill the quality requirements. This process monitors or maintains quality performance of tests w/in acceptable standards
random error
the imprecision or scatter of values around the mean
standard deviation
the variance
Coefficient of variation (CV)
the expression of the SD as a percentage of the mean
systematic error
the inaccuracy in one direction from the true correct value (bias)
total error
the combined effect of random and systematic errors
Internal QC
checks for the precision (reproducability) of the method
External QC
checks for the accuracy of the method
L-J QC chart
results are plotted as a pattern of change:
12s: warning rule: violated when one control result exceeds +- 2 SD from the mean
22s: violated when two consecutive results from one level of control exceeds +/- 2 in either direction
10x: when ten consecutive control results for one control occur on the same side of the mean
