Chapter 50: Clinical Laboratory Overview

What does CLIA regulate?

Quality standards for laboratory testing.

What are waived tests?

Simple tests with low risk of error approved by CLIA for waived settings.

What is quality control?

Processes to ensure test results are accurate and reliable.

What is quality assurance?

Overall system monitoring to maintain quality testing processes.

What are pre-analytical variables?

Factors before testing that affect results, such as patient prep, collection, labeling, handling.

What are analytical variables?

Factors during testing that affect results, such as instrument/reagent/operator errors.

What are post-analytical variables?

Factors after testing, such as reporting/documenting results.

What are the three parts of urinalysis?

Physical, chemical, microscopic.

What does hematology study?

Blood cells and coagulation.

What does chemistry analyze?

Chemical substances in blood and body fluids.

What does microbiology study?

Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses.

What is sensitivity testing?

Determines which antibiotics may be effective against a microorganism.

What is the MA role in the lab?

Collect/label/process specimens and perform authorized tests according to CLIA, policy, and training.

What should happen with critical lab results?

Report immediately to provider according to policy and document notification.