Blood is one of the biological fluids that is often examined to identify pathological conditions, as well as to dynamically monitor the results against the background of ongoing treatment. The data obtained determine the further tactics of the specialist of Hematological studies. The health of the analyzer affects the accuracy of the values of the studies. The equipment may have an error in operation, therefore, its maintenance is constantly carried out, as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of its functioning.
Quality control in hematology
Quality control of hematological studies is determined by the following factors:
correctness of mathematical methods for processing measurement results obtained for the first time;
dosing accuracy of whole and diluted blood;
the correctness of determining the size of shaped elements;
accurate determination of the dose of saline sodium chloride solution during blood dilution;
the accuracy of calculating the volume of cell suspension passing through the aperture, etc.
Useful information! The reagents used may not be compatible. To avoid this, you should use products that are produced by one company.
Calibrators in hematology
To calibrate a hematological analyzer, a composition is used that includes:
calibration microspheres;
fixed red blood cells.
In fact, the verification of hematological analyzers is carried out using a calibrator, which serves as a sample. It is under it that the equipment readings are adjusted. The calibrator must only be used fresh. Otherwise, the analyzer will return false data. Medical assistant with this is the short shelf life of the calibrator, which is less than the shelf life of the control material.
Calibration is carried out in the following cases:
during the application of previously unused reagents;
when using a new batch of blood;
after the repair is completed or after the equipment has been inspected.
Calibration may fail. In this case, the following actions are taken:
Errors are identified and, if any, are eliminated;
maintenance is performed, the aperture is washed;
re-calibration is performed.
Control material in hematology
A sample or standard is used for calibration. It is a control portion of blood. With her help:
it is possible to carry out the calculation of the necessary shaped elements;
do the breeding right.
Quality control of hematological studies is carried out every day in order to assess the linearity of the analyzer. The control material can have the following parameters: low, normal, high.
Biological material for quality control
As a control material for a hematological analyzer, the following can be used:
separate blood smear;
hemolysis;
blood, whole;
suspensions of fixed shaped elements.
Requirements that apply to the cells of the control material
Cells intended for control should have the following features:
inertia;
invariance in size;
lack of ability to conduct current;
comparability with cell sizes;
density.
The quality of the results
Hematological quality control is evaluated taking into account factors that include:
quality of reagents;
accurate dosage of biological fluid;
precise dosage of saline solution;
accuracy of counting shaped elements and their size;
the correctness of processing the results.
What is control blood used for?
The use of blood for hematological analyzers for the purpose of control is carried out in order to:
count the shaped elements;
make the right breeding;
calibrate the device.
The accuracy of the analyzer is checked every day. This takes into account various parameters.
The control blood for the hematology analyzer is stable for several months before opening. After opening, subject to the rules of storage – 1 month. In this regard, it is required to conduct a study every 20 samples.
Thanks to this approach, it is possible:
detect deviations in the study until the results are of clinical significance;
get results that help to collect statistical data in a short time, build maps. In addition, the values help to evaluate the performance of the instrument.
Some hematology analyzers have a built-in program that helps to evaluate the quality of the studies, which include the construction of maps intended for control.
To increase the quality of research, it is necessary to adjust the management system within, as well as between laboratories. External observation solves the most difficult problems. These include the identification and elimination of systematic measurement errors.
The modern lab analyzer is the benchmark to help deliver accurate results. Quality control programs can be used with confidence if control materials are used daily and equipment is calibrated. As a result, the analyzes are as accurate as possible.
