Laboratory Management & Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real CHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Laboratory Management & Safety flashcards as text
What is the purpose of an Internal Proficiency Testing (IPT) program when no approved external PT program is available for a test?
Answer: The lab uses split samples, previously tested specimens, or reference materials to verify ongoing accuracy
When external PT is unavailable, CLIA requires labs to use an equivalent process such as split-sample testing or reference material analysis twice per year.
Which OSHA standard is most directly relevant to worker safety in the histocompatibility laboratory when handling patient specimens?
Answer: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires engineering controls, PPE, training, hepatitis B vaccination, and exposure control plans for workers handling blood and tissues.
What is a 'laboratory information system' (LIS) and why is it critical in the histocompatibility laboratory?
Answer: A software system that manages patient data, test orders, results, and reports to ensure accurate specimen tracking and result reporting
The LIS manages the full workflow from specimen receipt to result release, maintains the patient HLA type history, tracks crossmatch results, and interfaces with transplant center systems.
What does the ASHI accreditation standard require regarding competency assessment of laboratory personnel?
Answer: Annual documented competency assessment for all personnel performing patient testing
ASHI and CLIA require annual documented competency evaluations for all testing personnel covering all procedures they perform, including direct observation and result review.
What is the primary risk of improper specimen labeling in a histocompatibility laboratory?
Answer: Patient misidentification leading to an incompatible crossmatch result being applied to the wrong patient and fatal transplant error
In transplantation, a mislabeled specimen can result in an incorrect crossmatch or HLA type being matched to the wrong patient, potentially causing a fatal incompatible transplant.
Which quality indicator is most important to monitor specifically for urgent deceased donor crossmatch testing?
Answer: Crossmatch result turnaround time from specimen receipt to verbal/electronic report
For deceased donor crossmatches, TAT from specimen receipt to final result is the key quality indicator because transplant surgeons cannot proceed until results are available and organs cannot wait.