Quality Control/Proficiency Testing
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
BCL is a local reference laboratory that allows us to pride ourselves in putting our clients and their
patients needs above all. We achieve this by following a strict quality assurance policy as well as
adhering to proven administrative and technical methodologies. At BCL all procedures and methods of
analysis are fully regulated by state and federal regulations and CAP. Proficiency testing for all assays
are conducted by CAP and Center for Disease Control (CDC) assuring strict quality control for each
assay performed in our laboratory. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of our procedure and methods
of analysis, our program features proficiency testing (PT) as conducted by College of American
Pathologists (CAP) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as procedures required by State and
Federal regulations. BCL assures quality control (QC) of instrumentation performance by voluntarily
participating in Bio-Rad and Diagnostic Stago Interlaboratory Comparison Programs. BCL ensures the
daily quality of patient results through a combination of analysis of commercial control specimens and
verification of results through data review of multiple individuals. At least daily, 2-3 commercial control
specimens are analyzed for each assay and the results obtained are compared against a defined
acceptable range. Only when these results are within this defined range, indicating that the instrument
and reagents are functioning normally, are patient results accepted and released. Atypical or highly
abnormal results are confirmed by repeat analysis with original sample or dilution if necessary. Results
are reviewed and verified by at least one staff and laboratory manager prior to release of the final patient
report.
PROFICIENCY TESTING (PT) & QUALITY CONTROL (QC):
-College of American Pathologists (CAP) Surveys and Anatomic Pathology Education Program
-College of American Pathologist (CAP) Instrument Linearity Testing
-Bio-Rad Interlaboratory Instrument Comparison Program
-Diagnostic Stago Interlaboratory Survey: Quality Control Comparison