Quality & Safety Flashcards
7 cards from real MLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Quality & Safety flashcards as text
A laboratory receives a proficiency testing (PT) sample and the result is flagged as 'unacceptable.' What is the most appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Investigate the root cause and document corrective action
Unacceptable PT results require root cause investigation and documented corrective action per CLIA and accreditation standards.
Which statistical term describes the degree to which repeated measurements of the same sample yield the same result?
Answer: Precision
Precision (reproducibility) refers to the closeness of repeated measurements to each other, independent of the true value.
A CBC analyzer's WBC results are consistently 15% higher than expected based on the reference method. This error is best described as:
Answer: Proportional systematic error
Proportional systematic error increases with analyte concentration, producing a consistent percentage deviation from the true value.
When performing a Levey-Jennings chart review, which Westgard rule is violated when one control value exceeds the mean by more than 3 standard deviations?
Answer: 1-3s rejection rule
The 1-3s rule is a rejection rule triggered when a single control value falls outside ±3 SD, indicating probable random or systematic error.
A chemical spill of sulfuric acid occurs in the chemistry lab. The FIRST action the MLS should take is:
Answer: Don appropriate PPE before approaching the spill
Personal protective equipment must be donned before approaching any chemical spill to protect the MLS from exposure.
Which type of quality control material is most appropriate for monitoring day-to-day analytical performance on a chemistry analyzer?
Answer: Commercially prepared assayed controls with known target values
Commercially prepared assayed controls with established target ranges allow objective monitoring of analytical performance against known values.
According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which item must be available to laboratory personnel who have occupational exposure to blood?
Answer: Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination free of charge to all employees with occupational blood exposure.