Better get moving on laboratory quality assurance.

Abstract

With recent advances in laboratory hematology automation, emphasis is now on quality assurance processes as they are indispensable for generating reliable and accurate test results. It is therefore imperative to acquire efficient measures for recognizing laboratory malfunctions and errors to improve patient safety. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Moving algorithm is a quality control process that monitors analyzer performance from historical records through a continuous process, which does not require additional expenditure, and can serve as an additional support to the laboratory quality control program. The authors describe an important quality assurance tool, which can be easily applied in any laboratory setting, especially in cost-constrained areas where running commercial controls throughout every shift may not be a feasible option. The authors focus on clinical laboratory quality control measures for providing reliable test results. The moving average appears to be a reasonable and applicable choice for vigilantly monitoring each result.