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Questions and Answers
What is the main reason why hematology controls from different manufacturers cannot be used interchangeably?
What is the recommended storage temperature for hematology controls?
Why is it essential to maintain a constant temperature during transportation of hematology controls?
What can be a consequence of overheating hematology control materials?
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What is a crucial step in preparing hematology controls for measurement?
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What can be a cause of erroneous results in hematology testing?
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What is a potential consequence of inadequate mixing of hematology controls?
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What is the purpose of using Styrofoam boxes and cold packs during transportation of hematology controls?
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What is the primary purpose of hematology controls?
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What is the expected outcome of using hematology controls?
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What is the main characteristic of data that is accurate but not precise?
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What is the main goal of quality control in hematology?
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What does accuracy refer to in the context of hematology controls?
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What is the main limitation of using intact cells in hematology control materials?
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What is the purpose of stabilizing hematology control materials?
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Why should quality control be performed routinely in hematology laboratories?
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Why may some manufacturers use artificial substitutes in hematology control materials?
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What is the purpose of internal quality control in hematology laboratories?
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Why are target values for hematology control materials only applicable to a specific setting?
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What is typically included in hematology controls supplied by instrument manufacturers?
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What is the role of hematology controls in ensuring laboratory accreditation?
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What is the term for the situation where the mean value is correct, but the measurement values are varying a lot between the single measurements?
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What is the main reason why hematology control materials are not interchangeable between different analyzers?
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What is the main challenge in developing hematology control materials that are compatible with different analyzers?
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Study Notes
Accuracy and Precision
- Accuracy refers to achieving the correct result
- Precision refers to achieving the same result repeatedly
- Imprecision occurs when measurement values vary greatly between single measurements, despite having a correct mean value
Hematology Controls
- Hematology controls help assess the precision of hematology analyzers
- Controls are used to ensure valid patient results and meet accreditation requirements
- Controls are usually supplied by instrument manufacturers and come with two or three levels that resemble patient samples
- Controls cover multiple blood parameters, including erythrocytes, platelets, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and more
Importance of Quality Control
- Quality control should be performed routinely to ensure consistent reliability of sample results
- Each laboratory should establish its own QC program that complies with accreditation guidelines
- Internal quality control has four main purposes:
- Monitoring of the analytical process
- Detection of errors due to system failure, environmental conditions, or operator performance
- Monitoring of long-term test performance
- Providing proof of adequate long-term quality level and complying with regulatory requirements
Characteristics of Hematology Control Materials
- Control materials are made from stabilized, intact human and mammalian blood cells
- Limited shelf life due to the limited lifespan of intact cells
- Stabilization can prolong shelf life, but must be balanced against maintaining physical properties and responsiveness to lysis reagent
- Some cell types lose size, shape, and function after preservation, leading to the use of artificial substitutes
Storage and Handling of Hematology Control Materials
- Storage at 2-8°C is required to ensure stability and proper performance
- Constant temperature during transportation is essential
- Expired materials or vials with too little remaining volume can lead to erroneous results
- Controls require accurate preparation before measurement, including homogenization and mixing
Errors in Hematology Controls
- Overheating can affect control product performance
- Exposure to temperatures above 20°C can lead to elevated mean cell volume, red cell fragments, and hemolysis
- Overheating can also cause denaturation of proteins, leading to incorrect platelet counts and impaired measurement of hemoglobin
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Description
Learn about the importance of accuracy and precision in hematology controls, and how poor mixing can affect measurement results. Understand the difference between accuracy and precision in laboratory testing.
