Analytical error

Below is TRUE regarding laboratory error EXCEPT?

• Analytical error occur during analysis of sample

• Highest percentage is contributed by pre-analytical error

• Post analytical error contribute 15% of total lab error

• Analytical error include reagent deterioration, undetected failure in quality control and sample interferences.

Regarding IQC and EQA

• Assayed controls (IQC) are assigned with pretarget values

• Results of EQA are compared to labs using the same instrument/method type providing an indication of any test system bias.

• For EQA, the laboratory analyses ‘blind samples’ and returns the results to the scheme organiser for analysis.

• IQC is carried out less frequently, roughly monthly

Below is limitations of IQC except:-

• The absence of (stable) quality-control materials eg serum indices, ESR, MCV

• Sample commutability

• Cheaper

• Risk that the analytical bias that occurs between two control measurements will remain undetected leading to the release of erroneous results

What is additional tool for real-time analytical quality control?

• Measurement of Uncertainty

• Lot to lot reagent verification

• Patient's moving average

• Establishment of mean

Which are the following errors occur during analysis of patient's sample

• Presence of bubbles

• Analysis of insufficient sample in hitachi cup secondary tube

• Presence of fibrin clot in sample

• Sample interference eg, hemolysed sample