QC Result analysis

QC results can be send to the LIMS and can be processed for further analysis in lab's own Quality Control data system. Authorised staff should identify and differentiate acceptable/unacceptable random errors and trends and/or shifts in systematic errors from the statistical data. Depending on the users Quality Control Procedures analytical results could be accepted or rejected.

Changes in QC results can be gradual or abrupt. Gradual changes can be caused by contamination and incidental environmental variations. Abrupt changes can be caused by change of QC material batch or possible hardware errors.

If results are continuously out of range due to significant difference between calculated mean and control value, but the statistics show precise results with small deviations, it should be considered to expand the acceptable assay range with QC Settings.

If results are incidentally out of range it is advised to perform a daily maintenance and/or End-of-day wash and then perform another QC sample step before releasing patient results.

It depends on the general QC procedure of the Lab if it is allowed to perform patient samples after the warning "Control out of range!".