External and Internal QC for Blood Gases

Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) in the clinical lab have changed. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has embraced a voluntary QC option for meeting CLIA quality control standards called Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP), which was implemented in January 2016 for all labs that have been utilizing Equivalent Quality Control (EQC). CLIA QC regulations will remain the same as published in 2003. All of the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical systems requirements in the CLIA regulations will remain in effect.

There are many different aspects of the IQCP for laboratories to consider. This article will cover the minimum requirements for use of external quality controls with regard to blood gas QC.

Minimum guidelines

The minimum guidelines according to CLIA 88 (2003) require laboratories to perform external quality control at least one time per eight-hour shift.1 The IQCP does not change this requirement. In addition to the daily QC requirement, the laboratory is also responsible for calibration verification for all non-waived “moderate to high-complexity” test systems.

Read more: External and Internal QC for Blood Gases

Source: mlo-online

CLIA and regulatory readiness: How can your lab always be ready?

Much has been written about laboratory regulations and the regulatory process. Why publish another article now? Changes to the healthcare environment in the United States over the past few years have left hospitals and laboratories asking questions about resources. How does the laboratory continue to provide quality service to patients and practitioners while reimbursements decrease? How do regulatory requirements fit into this same picture? How can the laboratory stay ahead of new regulations?

Many laboratories do maintain readiness throughout the inspection cycle. These facilities share common traits. This article will identify success strategies when dealing with regulatory compliance. In general, these strategies fall into three categories: 1) knowledge, 2) awareness, and 3) good management practices.

Read more: CLIA and regulatory readiness: How can your lab always be ready?

Source: aapc