MLT 81 Chapter 3 Quiz A

What is the purpose of the CLIA '88 quality control requirements?

• To ensure patient safety

• To reduce laboratory errors

• To improve the quality of laboratory testing

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The purpose of the CLIA '88 quality control requirements is to ensure all of the above mentioned points. It aims to ensure patient safety, reduce laboratory errors, and improve the quality of laboratory testing. These requirements are put in place to maintain high standards in laboratory practices.

Which organization has developed the ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories?

• The Joint Commission

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• International Organization for Standardization

• College of American Pathologists

Answer explanation

The ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories were developed by the International Organization for Standardization. This organization is known for developing and publishing international standards, hence the name. The other options, The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and College of American Pathologists, are not primarily involved in the development of such standards.

What is the focus of Lean in the clinical laboratory?

• Reducing waste

• Reducing variability

• Improving patient outcomes

• Increasing efficiency

Answer explanation

The focus of Lean in the clinical laboratory is 'Reducing waste'. Lean methodology is primarily about eliminating waste in all forms in the system. It aims to improve efficiency and productivity by identifying and eliminating non-value added activities, thus reducing waste.

What are active errors in error analysis?

• Errors related to the organization or design of a laboratory

• Errors that occur at the interface between a healthcare worker and the patient

• Errors that occur during the analytical phase of testing

• Errors that occur during the postanalytical phase of testing

Answer explanation

Active errors in error analysis refer to mistakes that happen at the interface between a healthcare worker and the patient. These errors occur during the interaction between the two parties, such as miscommunication or incorrect data collection, and can directly impact patient care and outcomes.

Which phase of testing in the clinical laboratory is most prone to errors?

• Preanalytical (preexamination)

• Analytical (examination)

• Postanalytical (postexamination)

• All phases have an equal likelihood of errors

Answer explanation

The preanalytical (preexamination) phase is most prone to errors in clinical laboratory testing. This phase includes steps like patient identification, sample collection, and sample handling, which are more susceptible to human errors. The analytical and postanalytical phases have more controlled processes and are less likely to have errors compared to the preanalytical phase.

What is the importance of qualified personnel in the clinical laboratory?

• They ensure accurate and reliable test results

• They maintain instruments and equipment

• They keep accurate records of reagents and control specimens

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The importance of qualified personnel in the clinical laboratory lies in their ability to ensure accurate and reliable test results, maintain instruments and equipment, and keep accurate records of reagents and control specimens. All of these tasks contribute to the overall efficiency and accuracy of the laboratory, making qualified personnel essential for its proper functioning.

What should be included in a laboratory procedure manual?

• Approved policies and acceptable practices

• Precautions and safety regulations

• Analytical procedures performed in the laboratory

• All of the above

Answer explanation

A laboratory procedure manual should include all of the above: approved policies and acceptable practices, precautions and safety regulations, and analytical procedures performed in the laboratory. These elements ensure that the laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

What is the purpose of a laboratory reference manual?

• To provide laboratory personnel with up-to-date safety regulations

• To ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations

• To serve as a comprehensive guide for laboratory policies and procedures

• All of the above

Answer explanation

The purpose of a laboratory reference manual is to serve as a comprehensive guide for laboratory policies and procedures. It helps lab personnel understand and follow the correct protocols, ensuring the smooth functioning of the laboratory and maintaining safety standards.

What are nonanalytical factors in quality assessment?

• Qualified personnel and established laboratory policies

• Laboratory procedure manual and test requisitioning

• Patient identification and specimen procurement

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Nonanalytical factors in quality assessment include all the mentioned options: qualified personnel and established laboratory policies, laboratory procedure manual and test requisitioning, and patient identification and specimen procurement. These factors contribute to the overall quality of laboratory testing and results.

What is the focus of the ISO 15189 accreditation program?

• Reducing laboratory errors

• Improving patient care

• Complying with CLIA regulations

• Enhancing laboratory efficiency

Answer explanation

The ISO 15189 accreditation program is focused on improving patient care. This program sets quality standards for medical laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable test results, which directly contribute to better patient care. The other options, while important aspects of laboratory operations, are not the primary focus of the ISO 15189 accreditation program.