NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a blood glucose test using a glucometer. Which of the following quality control measures should the MA perform before testing patient samples?
- AClean the glucometer with an alcohol wipe.
- BRun a liquid control solution through the glucometer.
- CCheck the expiration date of the lancets.
- DRecalibrate the glucometer with a new battery.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Run a liquid control solution through the glucometer.
Running a liquid control solution through the glucometer verifies the accuracy and precision of the device before patient testing, which is a critical quality control measure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cleaning the glucometer is important for hygiene but does not directly assess the accuracy of the device's readings.
- C. Checking the expiration date of lancets is important for patient safety but does not verify the glucometer's performance.
- D. Recalibrating with a new battery is not a standard quality control step for accuracy, though battery replacement is important for function.
Glucometer Quality Control
Quality control for glucometers involves testing with liquid control solutions to ensure the device provides accurate and reliable results.
- Performed before patient testing or when a new vial of strips is opened.
- Verifies accuracy and precision of the device.
- Results must fall within a specified range.
Memory trick: Controls Confirm Correctness Clearly