CAP Pro Course - Immunology - Monitoring the Testing Process in Immunology

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Author: Kevin Foley PhD, MT, DABCC
Reviewers: Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP) and Mary Louise Turgeon, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM 

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Discuss quality control procedures for immunology testing, including actions that must be taken when quality control test results are not acceptable.
  • Explain the purpose of proficiency testing and identify practices that are acceptable and unacceptable when proficiency testing is being performed.
  • Describe the proper course of action when problems with the test system are discovered during the postanalytical phase of immunology testing.
  • Discuss the role of equipment maintenance and the effect it can have on testing precision and accuracy.

Course Outline

  • Discuss quality control procedures for immunology testing, including actions that must be taken when quality control test results are not acceptable.
      • General Quality Control Requirements
      • Quality Control for Immunology/Serology Tests
      • Choosing QC
      • Corrective Action
      • Quality Control Testing Protocol
      • Using the accompanying image (where C = control and T = test), which of the following is correct?
      • Which of the following is a correct statement concerning failed quality control (QC)?
      • A technologist needs to select a new liquid control for a point-of-care device that measures HepC antibodies. Which of the following would be the best...
      • An immunology technical specialist notices that his laboratory is using a diluted calibrator as a control. Why is this not advisable?
      • Which of the following is a correct statement about an individualized quality control plan (IQCP)?
      • Based on a typical quality control (QC) troubleshooting plan, when should technical (vendor) service be called if a test assay fails QC?
  • Explain the purpose of proficiency testing and identify practices that are acceptable and unacceptable when proficiency testing is being performed.
      • Proficiency Testing (PT)
      • Proficiency Testing (PT) Requirements
      • Which of the following is a correct statement?
      • Which of the following is not a violation of proficiency testing (PT) requirements?
      • What is the main function of a proficiency testing (PT) survey?
      • If you are responsible for proficiency testing (PT) samples, you must be aware of the requirements. Which of the stated requirements is incorrect?
      • A laboratory that performs hepatitis C testing receives a proficiency testing (PT) specimen. When the PT specimen arrives, the laboratory's primary in...
      • What is the comprehensive or main reason proficiency testing (PT) is performed in the laboratory?
      • A laboratory receives a sample for proficiency testing (PT) on its main chemistry analyzer. The technician performs the testing and reports the result...
  • Describe the proper course of action when problems with the test system are discovered during the postanalytical phase of immunology testing.
      • Quality in the Postanalytic Phase of Testing
      • Error Detection in the Postanalytic Phase
      • Which of the following actions is required when a corrected patient test result report is issued?
      • Which of the following statements is accurate?
      • Which of the following statements related to the postanalytical phase of laboratory testing is inaccurate?
      • Which of the following is required when communicating critical results?
      • An incorrect RPR result has been reported on patient A due to an error in labeling by the phlebotomist. A new sample is collected, and the RPR test is...
  • Discuss the role of equipment maintenance and the effect it can have on testing precision and accuracy.
      • Equipment Used to Support Laboratory Testing
      • A busy immunology laboratory that runs 24 hours per day struggles with keeping a certain automated analyzer up and running during the first shift of t...
      • A medical laboratory scientist is concerned that their ELISA-based HIV assay may be giving false-positive results due to carryover. Which of the follo...
      • A laboratory technologist is updating her equipment maintenance checklist. Which of the following would be an accurate time interval?
      • Your laboratory is performing a self-audit to ensure quality. You discover that a centrifuge has not been assessed for the past three years. The centr...
      • A serological rotator is used in the chemistry laboratory to perform RPR testing. The testing occurs on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the first shift....
      • Which of the following situations does not require testing for carryover contamination in routine testing?
      • A STAT immunology test is received in the laboratory. The kit is taken out of the refrigerator and allowed to come to room temperature prior to use. U...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is primarily designed as an educational tool for medical laboratory students and interns, and all MLS, MT, and MLT personnel.
Author Information:  Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MT, SC is the director of clinical pathology for the Kaiser Permanente Northwest region. He also teaches clinical chemistry at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Foley earned his PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology at East Carolina School of Medicine in North Carolina. He recieved a PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology from Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC. He has been working in laboratory medicine for over 15 years, starting his career as a medical technologist.
Reviewer Information:  Rory Huschka, M. Ed., MT(ASCP), has over 20 years of experience as a medical technologist, technical supervisor, professor, and manager. He is the former Program Director of MLS and MLT Programs. He currently works on the content development team at MediaLab, Inc. Rory holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from North Dakota State University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership.  
Reviewer Information:  Mary Louise Turgeon, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM, is an educator, author, and consultant in medical laboratory science education. Her career as an educator includes 15 years as a community college Professor and Program Director. Additionally, she has 14 years as an undergraduate and graduate university Professor and administrator. She is the author of medical laboratory science books including Immunology and Serology in Laboratory Medicine, 6th ed (2018).

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