Laboratory Quality and Accuracy

Laboratory Quality = Accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of test results Quality Management System = Coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to quality Negative Consequences of Laboratory Error = Unnecessary treatment and delays in diagnosis Accuracy Level = The degree to which a measurement reflects the true value

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) = Provides international standards for quality management Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) = Develops guidelines for laboratory practices World Health Organization (WHO) = Focuses on public health standards American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) = Represents the interests of clinical laboratories

Unnecessary treatment = Results from inaccurate laboratory results Delay in diagnosis = Can lead to poor patient outcomes Additional diagnostic testing = Increases time and personnel effort Treatment complications = May occur due to incorrect treatment plans

<p>Reliability = The consistency of test results over time Timeliness = The promptness of reporting results Inaccuracy = The degree to which a test result does not reflect the true value Complexity of the system = Involves many steps and personnel in laboratory processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Performing procedures correctly = Achieving high accuracy and reliability Minimizing errors = Reducing unnecessary costs and poor outcomes Quality management system model = Ensuring comprehensive quality assurance Addressing all operations = Improving overall laboratory performance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Accurate test results = Essential for proper patient treatment Reliable processes = Builds trust in laboratory findings Timely reporting = Ensures rapid clinical decision-making Quality assurance = Prevents errors and improves outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Accuracy needed in measurements = Level of 99% may seem acceptable Consequences of laboratory error = Significant negative health outcomes Cost implications = Increased time and personnel effort due to errors Testing system limitations = Challenge in achieving perfect accuracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Laboratory technician = Executes tests and procedures Quality manager = Oversees laboratory quality systems Clinical pathologist = Interprets test results for patient care Laboratory assistant = Supports technicians and maintains equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pre-analytical = Processes that occur before the examination of samples Analytical = Processes that involve the actual testing of samples Post-analytical = Processes that follow the examination and involve reporting results Path of Workflow = The entire set of operations that occur in testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Accuracy = The degree to which test results are correct Reliability = The consistency of test results over time Timeliness = The promptness of reporting test results Quality Management System (QMS) = A system to manage and oversee quality operations in the laboratory</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quality Control Procedures = Methods to monitor and maintain test accuracy Record-Keeping = System for maintaining logs of lab processes and results Competent and Knowledgeable Staff = Trained personnel to conduct laboratory testing Good Quality Reagents and Equipment = Ensuring materials used are suitable for reliable testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Damaged Sample = Results from improper collection or transport Delayed Report = Late delivery of test results to medical staff Lost Report = Missing documentation of test findings Poorly Written Report = Inadequate communication of test results</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ISO Standards = International standards for quality management CLSI = Organization focused on clinical laboratory standards QMS = Framework for managing laboratory quality Accreditation Bodies = Organizations that certify laboratory compliance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quality Assurance = Maintaining quality through systematic processes Error Detection = Identifying mistakes in laboratory operations Sample Integrity = Ensuring samples are uncontaminated and intact Result Interpretation = Analyzing test outcomes for clinical decisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Laboratory Environment = Controls external factors that may affect testing Communication = Ensures information is clearly exchanged among staff Staff Competence = Guarantees skilled execution of procedures Equipment Maintenance = Prevents malfunction that can impact test results</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Inaccuracy = Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment Unreliability = May cause loss of trust in laboratory results Delayed Results = Can impact patient care and clinical decisions Poor Quality Practices = Result in overall substandard laboratory performance</p> Signup and view all the answers