Practice Test 2 - Quality Management

Question 1

A control has a mean of 2.8 with a standard deviation of 0.3. This means 68% of the values should fall within a range of:

a) 2.0-3.1
b) 2.2-3.4
c) 2.2-3.4
d) 2.5-3.1

Answer 1

d) 2.5-3.1

In a normal distribution, 68% of values will fall within one standard deviation of the mean. One standard deviation here is 0.3. Therefore, to find the range of values that fall within one standard deviation, simply add and subtract 0.3 from the mean:
2.8 + 0.3 = 3.1
2.8 - 0.3 - 2.5

Question 2

The focus of quality assurance is best described as:

a) continuous quality improvement
b) doing more with less
c) improving a system
d) preventing mistakes and defects

Answer 2

d) preventing mistakes and defects

The core purpose of quality assurance is to prevent mistakes and defects.

Question 3

A hematology analyzer has produced results that are inconsistent with a patient’s clinical presentation. What would be the most appropriate action to take first?

a) Check that the test was run correctly
b) Inform the physician about the results
c) Report the results but with with a note about the inconsistency
d) Request a new sample from the patient

Answer 3

a) Check that the test was run correctly

Before anything else, you should check that the test was run correctly. This includes checking the analyzer for any issues and ensuring that the correct protocols were followed.

Question 4

Which quality management method is also known as the Deming cycle?

a) Kaizen
b) Lean
c) Plan-Do-Check-Act
d) Six Sigma

Answer 4

c) Plan-Do-Check-Act

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is also known as the Deming cycle because it is named after its developer, W. Edwards Deming.

Question 5

What does the following formula calculate?
(Maximum daily usage x Maximum lead time) - (Average daily usage x Average lead time)

a) Economic order quantity
b) Inventory turnover ratio
c) Reorder point
d) Safety stock

Answer 5

d) Safety stock

The formula calculates the safety stock. Safety stock is an extra shock of an item to prevent an out-of-stock situation in case of delivery delays or unusually high usage. Here is a breakdown of the formula components:
- Maximum daily usage: The highest number of units used per day
- Maximum lead time: The longest time it takes for an order to be delivered after it is placed.
- Average daily sales: The typical number of units used per day
- Average lead time: The usual time it takes for an order to be delivered after it is placed.

Question 6

A laboratory receives inventory items as close as possible too when needed. Which inventory system is the laboratory using?

a) Just-in-time
b) Min-max
c) Periodic inventory
d) Perpetual inventory

Answer 6

a) Just-in-time

Just-in-time is a management strategy that increases efficiency and decreases waste by receiving goods only as they are needed. In a laboratory setting, Just-in-time can help manage the supply of reagents, consumables, and other materials by ensuring they arrive just before they are required for testing or research activities. This minimizes the need for large storage spaces and reduces the risk of material spoilage.

Question 7

How many quality system essentials (QSE) are there according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)?

a) 6
b) 10
c) 12
d) 16

Answer 7

c) 12

1. Assessments
2. Continual Improvement
3. Customer Focus
4. Documents and Records Management
5. Equipment Management
6. Facilities and Safety Management
7. Information Management
8. Nonconforming Event Management
9. Organization and Leadership
10. Personnel Management
11. Process Management
12. Supplier and Inventory Management