Question

The most appropirate way for a small, in-house lab to check the accuracy of its blood chemistry analyses is to periodically:

A. allow all lab staff to run the test and average their results
B. analyse control samples with in-house equipment to check accuracy
C. run multiple times of unknown valves and average the results
D. obtain dry reagent strips, run the test using a strip, run the test using the chemistry instrument, and compare the results

Answer 1

The best method for a small, in-house lab to check the accuracy of its blood chemistry analyses is by regularly analyzing control samples with known values, enabling it to correct any discrepancies and ensure strict quality control.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate way for a small, in-house lab to check the accuracy of its blood chemistry analyses is to periodically analyse control samples with in-house equipment to check accuracy.To ensure the reliability of blood chemistry tests, a lab must undertake regular consistency checks. Utilizing control samples, which are standardized solutions with known concentrations of the analytes of interest, provides a direct answer to the question of instrument accuracy.

By comparing the test results of these control samples to their known values, a laboratory can identify any variances and address them. This not only assures quality control but also helps in maintaining the integrity of patient diagnostics. Moreover, having multiple staff members run the tests on control samples allows for the detection of potential systematic errors or user-dependent discrepancies, thereby ensuring precision and accuracy in testing methodologies.