What to do when things go wrong with the QC or you get an error
message
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There is a set procedure that must be followed if any QC results fall
outside of the stated QC ranges. The QC ranges can be found on the
relevant QC
worksheets located in the Operators Manual; or displayed electronically
with their results on the analyser screen; or printed out automatically
after analysis. As with all QC print outs, each of the results will be
printed alongside their relevant QC ranges. Any QC results that fail
will be marked with an asterisk or question mark.
NOTE:
the same procedure described below applies to other Error Messages as
well, eg, analyser error messages or sample error messages. Please
document EVERYTHING, even if only to say that you asked the POCT
Coordinator to sort out the problem.
PLEASE
READ THESE IMPORTANT POINTS:
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Do not
ignore error messages. They are there for a good
reason.
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If
a QC sample fails, do not use the analyser for
patient testing until
you have a valid QC result. You cannot assume the patient results
will be correct if the QC is wrong.
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If
a repeat QC analysis gives the same error, do not keep running QC samples
until you get one that works, thinking that the problem has resolved
itself. It hasn't, trust me on this....
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If
you can't fix the problem, please seek help via the
POCT
Coordinator.
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Remember:
document all of your actions.
Resolving
the error.
Please work
your way systematically through the list below. Your resource is the Point
of Care Coordinator. Please contact him for any assistance you may need.
| 1. |
Error messages- please
consult the Operators Manual for a list of common error messages and
how to fix them.
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| 2. |
Repeat the QC analysis- (this will make sure that the result is not a
random error).
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| 3. |
Check that your repeat QC sample is totally thawed if
frozen. Make sure it is well-mixed- this is very important. All samples must be well mixed before analysis.
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| 4. |
Check your technique- eg, if it is a
pO2
or a pO2 blood gas QC problem, are you making sure your sample
remains as unexposed to air as possible before analysis? If a blood
gas sample, is it clotted? Have you ejected the first few drops
before analysis? Is the analyser correctly calibrated?
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| 5. |
Check for an:
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incorrectly selected
QC level- check both the actual sample and the analyser QC
file into which you are placing the results. If you are
writing onto a QC worksheet check if it is the appropriate one
for your sample.
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incorrect
lot number- the
lot number of the sample must always match that inscribed on the QC
worksheet. Contact the POCT
Coordinator if there is a mis-match.
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out-of-date QC
sample- contact the POCT Coordinator
if the QC is out-of-date.
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| 6. |
Review the analyser operation for procedural errors-
contact the POCT
Coordinator for a refresher course or revision.
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| 7. |
Check for faulty or expired reagents- contact the
POCT
Coordinator if reagents are out-of-date.
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| 8. |
Check for calibration problems and
recalibrate if necessary-
check the
QC Error Log Sheet in the Operator's Manual for past documented errors.
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| 9. |
Check for any analyser faults- contact the
POCT Coordinator if you suspect there is an analyser fault.
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