CMLA Quality Control & Assurance in Laboratory Practices 3

Question 1

A laboratory assistant notices the QC mean has gradually increased over 30 days. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Reagent deterioration or calibration drift

Answer

A gradual shift in the QC mean over time typically indicates reagent deterioration, instrument drift, or a calibration issue requiring investigation.

Question 2

What action should be taken when proficiency testing results are found to be unacceptable?

Accepted Answer

Document and submit a corrective action plan to the accrediting body

Answer

Unacceptable PT results require documentation, root cause analysis, and a corrective action plan submitted to the accrediting organization.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between accuracy and precision in laboratory QC?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy measures closeness to true value; precision measures reproducibility

Answer

Accuracy refers to how close a result is to the true value, while precision refers to how reproducible repeated measurements are.

Question 4

A calibration verification requires testing patient-like samples at a minimum of how many concentration levels?

Accepted Answer

Three levels (low, mid, high)

Answer

CLIA requires calibration verification at a minimum of three levels (low, mid, and high) spanning the reportable range.

Question 5

Which QC approach involves using patient data statistics such as the average of normals (AON) to monitor analytical performance?

Accepted Answer

Patient-based real-time QC (PBRTQC)

Answer

Patient-based real-time QC uses the statistical distribution of patient results to detect systematic errors without relying solely on traditional controls.

(CMLA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice Test

(CMLA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice Test

CMLA Quality Control & Assurance in Laboratory Practices 3