Quality Control

Preanalytical phase

The stage before the specimen is picked up by the analyzer, involving collection, transport, storage, handling, and verifying labels.

Analytical phase

The stage directly involved with the analyzer testing, including reagents, instrumentation, and analytical methods.

Postanalytical phase

The stage after the analyzer gives a result, focusing on reporting formats and documentation of critical values.

Internal Quality Control (QC)

QC materials used to assess and monitor analytical errors that mimic patient samples.

External Quality Control (QC)

Monitoring and evaluation of a lab's performance compared with other facilities.

Standard precautions

A set of guidelines stating that all specimens should be handled as if they are infectious.

Transmission based precautions

Precautions that include contact, droplet, and airborne transmission methods.

Routes of infection transmission

The three routes are inhalation, ingestion, and direct inoculation/skin contact.

Hold times in specimen processing

Time limits that must be met to ensure specimen integrity before analysis.

Specimen rejection criteria

Reasons defined to reject a specimen based on collection process verification.

Calibration in analytical methods

The adjustment of instrument settings to ensure accurate measurement of results.

Training and continuing education for lab personnel

Programs designed to ensure personnel are technically competent and updated on procedures.

Immediate reporting of critical values

The practice of quickly communicating significant test results that require urgent attention.

Reference ranges in lab results

Ranges that indicate acceptable values for test results, helping to assess patient health.

Documentation in lab processes

Necessary records that provide evidence and details of testing processes and results.

Maintaining instrumentation

Regular checks and repairs on laboratory instruments to ensure they function correctly.