AACC Laboratory Management & Operations Flashcards
6 cards from real AACC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 AACC Laboratory Management & Operations flashcards as text
Which turnaround time (TAT) metric measures the time from when a specimen is received in the laboratory to when the result is reported?
Answer: Laboratory TAT
Laboratory TAT measures the internal processing time from specimen receipt to result reporting, which is directly controllable by laboratory operations.
A laboratory implements a new test for a rare analyte and receives no proficiency testing samples from an approved PT program. What should the laboratory do?
Answer: Perform alternative assessment such as split-sample comparison with another lab
When approved PT is unavailable, CLIA requires laboratories to verify test accuracy using alternative methods such as split-sample testing with reference laboratories.
What does 'lean laboratory' methodology primarily aim to eliminate?
Answer: Waste and non-value-added steps in laboratory processes
Lean methodology focuses on identifying and eliminating waste (unnecessary steps, waiting time, motion) to improve efficiency and reduce TAT.
Which document must a laboratory maintain that describes the range and type of tests offered, specimen requirements, and reference intervals?
Answer: Laboratory test catalog (or test menu)
A laboratory test catalog provides clinicians with essential information about available tests, specimen requirements, reference intervals, and turnaround times.
Under CLIA, which personnel category is authorized to perform high-complexity testing?
Answer: Qualified laboratory scientists meeting education, training, and experience requirements for high-complexity testing
High-complexity testing requires personnel who meet specific education and training standards defined in CLIA regulations, typically including laboratory scientists with relevant degrees.
A laboratory notices that its QC results have been gradually drifting upward over several days without violating Westgard rules yet. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: A systematic issue such as reagent deterioration or instrument calibration drift
A gradual upward trend in QC results suggests a systematic error such as reagent instability, evaporation, or calibration drift that should be investigated before a rule violation occurs.