Quality Assurance

Our Quality Assurance program ensures our customers receive reliable test results on a timely basis. The program focuses on two areas: Efficient Administration and Sound Technical Procedures and Analyses.

Administration

Our Administrative services cover specimen handling, labeling and transportation as well as accurate data processing, recording and reporting of results.  These activities are controlled through the use of printed forms and labels, efficient coordination with our courier service, and extensive computer support to monitor all stages of data handling.

Technical Procedures and Analysis

To maintain the integrity and accuracy of our procedures and methods of analysis, our program features:

• Proficiency Testing as conducted by the College of American Pathologists and the Center for Disease Control as well as procedures required by State and Federal regulations.

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• Assay Quality Control which includes performing tests in duplicate or quadruplicate (for RIA method) against carefully monitored control samples.  Typically, each assay contains a standard curve and three control levels, all in duplicate.  Analytes suspected of concentrations beyond the range of the standard curve are diluted to fall within the range of calibration.

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• In addition, two or three known concentrations of the analyte (high, normal, low) included in each assay are utilized to assess inter-assay precision and for construction of Levey-Jennings Charts.  Equipment calibrations on a regular basis.

 

• Reporting Results which feature three levels of inspection:

1. The software program for each test compares assay values to the internal controls.

2. The analyst checks for inter-assay compliance.

3. Supervisory staff confirms assay statistics for consistency with other clinical determinations and orders repeat procedures or additional assays, as needed.

• The accuracy of diagnostic test results depends to a large extent on sample quality. Special care must be taken to properly prepare, collect and transport clinical specimens.  Refer to the Test Listings section of the manual for specimen submission requirements that include such information as specimen volume collection and transportation temperature.  Please call for a copy of requirements of tests and requisition forms at (781)893-1995. BCL has training assistance available for clients.

Please use the Requisition Forms provided by BCL. One form per patient is sufficient to request a single test or battery of assays.  For accurate processing of your order,  be sure to fill out the form as thoroughly as possible.

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