NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceHard
A phlebotomy technician notices that the quality control (QC) results for a new batch of glucose testing strips are outside the acceptable range. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
- ARepeat the QC test with a new control solution and check the instrument.
- BProceed with patient testing, as the strips are new.
- CDocument the out-of-range results and use the strips for less critical tests.
- DDiscard the current batch of strips and open a new one without further investigation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Repeat the QC test with a new control solution and check the instrument.
When QC results are out of range, the immediate next step is to troubleshoot the issue. This involves re-running the QC with a fresh control solution and checking the instrument to rule out errors with the control or the device itself before assuming the strips are faulty or using them.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is unsafe and could lead to inaccurate patient results.
- C. Using out-of-range strips is a violation of quality assurance and patient safety principles.
- D. Discarding without investigation misses potential issues with the instrument or control solution.
Out-of-Range QC Protocol
The systematic procedure to follow when quality control results for laboratory tests fall outside the established acceptable limits.
- Stop all patient testing immediately.
- Repeat QC with new control solution.
- Check instrument calibration and maintenance.
- If still out of range, contact supervisor/technical support.
- Document all steps taken and outcomes.
Memory trick: QC FAIL: First, investigate; Always, document; Ignore, never; Last, fix it.