The recent Respiratory Update Seminar at WDHS has inspired me to write a bit about the quality of lung function testing. We were fortunate to be given the opportunity to present at the seminar and give a practical demonstration of one of the simplest measures of lung capacity spirometry.
It is essential we strive to provide quality test results enabling the physician to confidently base decisions upon.
Reference values, which produce predicated equations must be appropriate; the machine must be reliable, results accurate & precise with documented quality control. The lab must adhere to good practices & standards including frequent biological controls & have well trained technicians, there is nothing better than experience and busier labs produce better quality results.
As the tests are effort dependant a good rapport must be struck between the patient and the scientist to achieve maximal manoeuvres.
Test results must meet American Thoracic Society acceptability and reproducibility criteria. A reproducible effort is defined as being without excessive variability and an acceptable effort is defined as being free from error or artifacts.
The machine must be calibrated at least daily. This is the process in which a signal from a spirometer is adjusted to produce a known output using a calibrated 3L syringe.
Quality Control is a formal program to document & maintain instrument and laboratory staff personnel and includes testing performed to determine the accuracy and/or precision of the device using a known standard or signal. Documented Quality Control performed on a regular basis is an important part of good laboratory practise plus corrective & preventative maintenance. Other important components are infection control, accurate record keeping, personnel training and professional development.
It is essential we strive to provide quality test results enabling the physician to confidently base decisions upon.
Reference values, which produce predicated equations must be appropriate; the machine must be reliable, results accurate & precise with documented quality control. The lab must adhere to good practices & standards including frequent biological controls & have well trained technicians, there is nothing better than experience and busier labs produce better quality results.
As the tests are effort dependant a good rapport must be struck between the patient and the scientist to achieve maximal manoeuvres.
Test results must meet American Thoracic Society acceptability and reproducibility criteria. A reproducible effort is defined as being without excessive variability and an acceptable effort is defined as being free from error or artifacts.
The machine must be calibrated at least daily. This is the process in which a signal from a spirometer is adjusted to produce a known output using a calibrated 3L syringe.
Quality Control is a formal program to document & maintain instrument and laboratory staff personnel and includes testing performed to determine the accuracy and/or precision of the device using a known standard or signal. Documented Quality Control performed on a regular basis is an important part of good laboratory practise plus corrective & preventative maintenance. Other important components are infection control, accurate record keeping, personnel training and professional development.
The daily QC enables us to quickly determine the onset of a problem within one day
Evidence shows labs with poor quality controls generally produce results which are lower which may result in a misdiagnosis of diseased lungs.
Vanessa
No comments:
Post a Comment