Module 5 Flashcards
What are the steps of problem solving?
Recognize an error
Determine error type
Relate error type to potential causes
Relate potential causes to recent changes
Resolve problem
Evaluate solution
Document all steps
(FIRED)
How are errors recognized?
Quantitative method- Westgard rules
Qualitative method- product inserts/known QC organisms help us determine
What types of errors are there?
Random- increased scatter or spread
Systematic- shift or trend
What are potential causes of systematic error?
Usually reagent or calibration problems
New reagent batch
Deteriorating reagent or calibrator
New reagent lot number
Recent calibration
Improperly prepared reagents or calibrators
Change in instrument temperature
What are potential causes of random error?
Bubbles
Pipette tips not fitted properly
Clogged pipette
Imprecise pipette, power supply
Inadequate mixing
Ppt
Tech variation
Damaged probes
What are potential causes of error on multianalyte instruments?
Common reagent
Common sample size
Same optical filter/wavelength
Same light source
Same mode of detection
Same methodology
Same calibration method
Common instrument mechanical components
What can be used to isolate the cause of error?
RITE
Reagent
Instrument
Tech
Environment
How is a problem resolved?
Use SOPs, manuals and product inserts for additional trouble shooting info
Be familiar with the most common cause of error
Be familiar with relative cost of variables
Change one variable at a time based on the above
What type of error is more disaffiliated to detect?
Random
Watch instrument operate
Rerun control
May choose to run one sample 10 times to IF further problems with precision
How is the solution verified?
Control must be retested to ensure it falls in the control range
What must trouble shooting documentation include?
Problem
Error type and recent changes
Variable that was changed
Outcome
What is troubleshooting?
A systematic approach to solving problems quickly and efficiently
