Unit 1 Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is quality assurance used for
Ensures clinical testing is performed in compliance within the SVAM/CVMA standards
Ensures results are recorded according to provincial/feral regulations
Used to verify the accuracy and precision of laboratory results
What aspects of operation does quality assurance address
Staff qualifications
Standard operating procedures
Care and use of supplies/equipment
Sample collection/handling
Record keeping procedures
Method and frequency of quality control testing
For reliable test results, everyone must be committed to ____
Quality assurance
define quality control program
Reviews all aspects of a process to ensure that realists are accurate
Define accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true value
Measures systematic errors
Define precision
The reproducibility of results
Measures random error
Define reliability
The ability of a method to be accurate and precise
Define control
Any device, compound or solution which has one or more known characteristics. It is used to verify the accuracy and precision of measurements in unknown samples
define standards
Non biological materials used for calibrating equipment
What are the 3 categorizations of errors
Pre-analytic
Analytic
Post-analytic
What are some biological preanalytic variables
Out of control: breed, age, gender
Can be controlled: proper fasting
What are some non biological preanalytic variables
Clerical errors, sample collection and handling errors (may also be classified as postanalytic errors)
What are clerical errors
Avoidable errors
Includes delays in processing, labelling, incorrect calculations, sampling the wrong patient, wrong sample etc
Exasperated when people are overworked, Tired, improperly trained etc
What are analytic variables (aka systemic errors)
Occur while the sample is in the machine/instrument
Often seen as gradual shifts in your control results in one direction
Difficult to discover and correct
Some factors that cause systemic errors: unstable reagents, improper test methods or species evaluated
What are postanalytic variables
Usually related to errors in data entry and record keeping
What are random errors
Caused by variation dL found in glassware and Pipettes
Electronic and optic variations of instruments
Due to variations in temperature controls and timing
What is the normal range (aka reference range)
A set of values compiled statistically from healthy animals of a particular breed/age/test method etc
Each analyte has its own range
Concentrations or levels of analytes are compared with the normal ranges
Define analyte
A substance whose chemical constituents are being identified or measured
True or false
results from comparison of an analyte to a normal range are diagnostic
FALSE
they must be used in conjunction with history and physical exam findings to make a diagnosis
What is the first step in a quality control program
To have high standards for the lab area itself
Cleanliness, SOPs, lighting, organization, maintaining equipment, updated software etc
What are the 6 steps of a good quality control program
Standard SOPs for each procedure performed in the lab
Maintenance records for the wquipment
Documentation of all samples run
Quality control log
Problem solving protocols
Manuals for all equipment
What should a standard SOP include
Name of specific tests
What it is testing for
Explanation of unique terms
Equipment and reagents required
Step by step instructions
Logs associated with the procedure
Quality control procedures
What are some benefits of a good quality control program
Continuous record of precision and accuracy of results
Gives early warning of trends and shifts in control results
Increased confidence of results
Improved customer satisfaction and confidence
Allows for comparisons between different testing methods
Monitors the performance of equipment
Provides some indications of technologists analytic skills
True or false
When using the best skill and equipment, successive measurements in a sample will give the same result
False
Successive measurements will differ
It is not possible to reach 100% reproducibility
