QA vs QC

Quality assurance refers to the systematic and proactive approach to ensuring that products, services, and processes meet or exceed customer expectations. It involves creating and implementing policies, procedures, and standards that prevent defects or errors from occurring in the first place. QA focuses on prevention rather than detection, and it is concerned with the entire production process, from design to delivery.

On the other hand, quality control refers to the reactive approach of ensuring that products, services, and processes meet established quality standards. QC involves testing and inspecting products or services at various stages of production to identify defects or errors that may have occurred. It is concerned with detecting and correcting defects before they reach the customer.

Levey-Jennings QC chart, also known as a control chart, is a graphical tool that is widely used in healthcare laboratories to monitor the quality of the results of diagnostic tests. It is named after two American statisticians, Levey and Jennings, who introduced this chart in 1950.

The chart consists of a series of data points plotted on a graph, with the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the data calculated and plotted as horizontal lines. The data points are obtained by analyzing control samples, which are samples with known values that are run alongside the patient samples.

The control samples are analyzed at regular intervals, and the resulting data points are plotted on the Levey-Jennings chart. The chart helps laboratory professionals to detect trends or shifts in the data over time, which can indicate a problem with the testing process or equipment.

The chart also allows for the determination of the precision and accuracy of the test results. The QC chart can help laboratory professionals to ensure that their testing processes are in control and that the results they produce are reliable and accurate.

Here’s a video that provides a template for the LJQC Chart and how it is created.

Why is material management important in the clinical laboratory?
First, it helps control costs by reducing waste and minimizing unnecessary purchases of supplies and equipment.
Second, it optimizes workflow by ensuring that supplies and equipment are readily available, reducing downtime and delays in testing processes.
Third, it plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of laboratory testing by ensuring that supplies and equipment are properly calibrated, maintained, and stored, which can help prevent errors and ensure accurate results.
Fourth, it is essential for compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
Finally, effective material management can help minimize risks associated with laboratory testing by implementing appropriate safety measures.
In summary, material management is crucial for the smooth and efficient functioning of clinical laboratory operations and is essential for maintaining the quality and accuracy of laboratory test results.

Standards vs Control

Standards and controls are rules and procedures that ensure accurate and reliable results in clinical lab testing.

Standards:
define acceptable ranges for test results

Controls:
samples or materials used to verify accuracy and precision of lab test results

Clinical labs must follow guidelines and regulations set by organizations such as CLIA and ISO to maintain quality and produce reliable results.

Difference between Policy, Processes and Procedure

To put it very simply:
Policy = What to do
Processes = How to do it
Procedures = Steps to follow while doing it

Here’s a supplemental resource to elaborate their differences:

What's the difference between a policy, process and procedure? » The ultimate definition » beSlick

https://beslick.com/difference-between-policy-process-procedure/

Seems like a simple question right? Discover the ultimate definition of a policy, process and procedure, the rules by which we run our businesses.