Quality Control in Haematology

Flashcards for Quality Control in Haematology lecture review.

What is Quality Control in Haematology?

Systematic processes to detect, reduce, and correct deficiencies in analytical processes in the laboratory.

What does the scope of Quality Control in Haematology include?

Automated analysers, manual techniques, staining procedures, and point-of-care devices.

What is the objective of Quality Control in Haematology?

Ensure precision (reproducibility) and accuracy (closeness to the true value).

How does Quality Control impact Patient Safety?

Prevents diagnostic errors that can lead to incorrect treatment.

How does Quality Control ensure Regulatory Compliance?

Meets standards set by accreditation bodies (e.g., ISO 15189, CAP).

How does Quality Control improve Cost Efficiency?

Reduces waste of reagents and time due to retests.

How does Quality Control affect the Reputation of a lab?

Enhances the credibility of the laboratory.

What is Internal Quality Control (IQC)?

Conducted within the laboratory to monitor day-to-day operations.

Give examples of Internal Quality Control (IQC).

Use of control samples with known values in automated cell counters and monitoring manual differential counts for reproducibility.

Why are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) important in a QC Program?

Ensure consistent methodologies.

Why is Calibration important in a QC Program?

Regular calibration of instruments like automated analysers.

Why is it important to have control materials in a QC program?

Use of stable materials that mimic patient samples (e.g., commercial controls for CBC).

What does Statistical Analysis in QC programs include?

Includes mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV).

What are Levey-Jennings Charts?

Graphical representation to monitor QC data over time.

What are the possible causes of Drifting Platelet Counts on an Automated Analyser?

Calibration drift, sample contamination, or reagent issues.

How should drifting platelet counts be handled by QC personnel?

Check control results, recalibrate the analyser, and replace reagents if needed.

What are possible causes of discrepancies between manual and automated WBC counts?

Equipment malfunction or operator error in manual counting.

What is the QC response for discrepancies between manual and automated WBC counts?

Perform IQC on analyser and verify manual count technique using SOPs.

Why is a robust QC program important?

Ensures patient safety, compliance, and efficient laboratory functioning.