Quality Assessment and management Flashcards
Quality
ensure result accuracy because results have direct impact on patient care, 70% of decisions based on lab results
Quality system
policy, procedures and resources needed for quality testing
procedure manuals
will have all of the information on the test, acceptable specimens, instrument maintenance etc.
Two agencies that regulate labs
College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Lab Improvement Act (CLIA)
Pre-analytical factors affecting QA
happens before testing, includes orders and requisition, patient prep and timing, collection and storage.
Analytical factors
processes directly affecting specimen testing. Includes reagents, instrument/equipment maintenance, testing procedure, quality control and competence of testing personel
Post-analytical
processes that affect the reporting of results and interpretation. includes transcription of results, critical value, info systems and delta check
delta check
flags tech when there is a significant change in results that may not be correct
Quality control
methods used to ensure accurate test values. Monitors accuracy, precision and reliability of tests
control
manufactured substance of known value with similar matrix to sample values
Performing QC
Record date of opening, lot and expiration date each time. Is done once per day or once per shift.
If QC is not in range…?
Test results are INVALID and can’t be released. Try it again and think of possible reasons
External QC
verify accuracy and precision, commercially prepared
internal QC
procedural control built into test system
Electronic QC
more point of care testing done by nurses, verifies device is working
