Quality Control in Laboratory Testing

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Questions and Answers

What does accuracy in laboratory testing refer to?

  • The results being significantly different
  • The results being near the target value (correct)
  • The results being consistent with each other
  • The ability to replicate results

Precision refers to the nearness of the results to the target value.

False (B)

What is one pre-analytical variable that can affect laboratory testing?

Alcohol ingestion

Why is quality control necessary in laboratory testing?

<p>Doctors rely on laboratory results for patient care (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Greek word 'kline' means _____ in the context of Clinical Chemistry.

<p>bed</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to pseudohyperkalemia?

<p>Using a hemolyzed sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of clinical chemistry?

<p>The study of chemical elements, their compounds, and interactions in human body fluids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can affect the sample level of potassium?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Accuracy vs. Precision

  • Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value.
  • Precision refers to the consistency of measurements.
  • Results may not be accurate, but must be precise to ensure both accuracy and precision using quality control.

Why is quality control important?

  • Quality Control is important because:
    • Expensive equipment and reagants are needed, which impacts the cost of the facility
    • Patient's lives are at stake with the quality of testing
    • Treating all samples as if they belonged to a relative
    • Doctors rely on labs to provide accurate information

Quality Control Example: Potassium

  • A hemolyzed sample can indicate hyperkalemia, even if the true value is low.

Pre-Analytical Variables that can affect lab testing

  • Factors that influence the results of lab tests before analysis are referred to as pre-analytical variables. Some pre-analytical variables include:
    • Exercise and physical training
    • Fasting and Food Intake
    • Alcohol ingestion
    • Tobacco Smoking
    • Drugs
    • Oral Contraceptives
    • Posture
    • Stress
    • Circadian/Cyclical Variation (variations in the body's natural rhythms)
    • Travel
    • Age: Newborn, Children to Puberty, and Adult
    • Sex
    • Temperature
    • Obesity
    • Other Variables

Pseudohyperkalemia

  • Falsely elevated potassium levels.
  • Pre-analytical variables can cause this, such as hemolysis.

What is Clinical Chemistry?

  • Clinical chemistry utilizes the principles of chemistry to study human body fluids and samples.
  • The term "clinical" comes from the Greek word "kline," meaning "bed," referring to bedside medicine.
  • Clinical chemistry is considered a basic science.

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