When Using Moving Averages to Monitor an Automated Hematology Instrument

question 4

Multiple Choice

When using moving averages to monitor an automated hematology instrument, the clinical laboratory professional notes that a moving average falls out of range, but the recently performed quality control was acceptable, what would this indicate?

• A) The instrument should be recalibrated.
• B) The range is incorrect for the moving average.
• C) The patient samples for last 20 results were from a single location.
• D) The clinical laboratory professional should open and run new control materials.

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Definitions:

Case-Control Studies

Observational studies that retrospectively investigate exposure factors among subjects with a specific condition compared to those without the condition.

Exposure

Contact with a substance or factor that could affect health.

Association

A statistical relationship between two or more variables, events, or actions, indicating that they may occur together or influence each other but not necessarily implying causation.

Relative Risk

A measure that compares the risk of a health event among one group with the risk among another group.