Quality Control

Preanalytical - BEFORE THE SPECIMEN IS PICKED UP BY ANALYSER

  • Collection, transport, storage, handling

    • labeling

    • processing specimens in lab

      • Meet hold times

      • verifying the correct collection process

      • recognize any reason to reject specimen

  • Procedure manual

  • adequate personnel training and supervision

Analytical - DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH THE ANALYZER TESTING

  • Reagents

  • Supplies

  • Instrumentation

    • Calibration

    • Maintenance

    • Documentation

  • Analytical methods

    • Procedure manuals

  • Monitoring

  • Lab personnel skills

    • Training and continuing education

    • technical competency

Postanalytical - AFTER THE ANALYZER GIVES A RESULT

  • reporting format

  • immediate reporting of critical values

  • appropriate documentation and evidence

  • reference ranges and informative comments listed

Internal QC

  • QC materials used to assess and monitor analytical errors —→ mimic patient samples

  • commercially obtained and lab prepared

External QC

  • monitor and evaluate a lab’s performance

    • compared with other facilities

Standard precautions = All specimens are handled as if they are infectious

Transmission based precautions

  1. Contact

  2. Droplet

  3. Airborne

Three routes of infection or disease transmission:

  1. Inhalation

  2. Ingestion

  3. Direct inoculation/skin contact