Laboratories with More Automated, Fluid Workflow Need Better QC

The frequency of running quality control (QC) plays a major role in managing patient risk. QC has been run on a time-based frequency due to a batch-based workflow--twice a day, three times a week, etc. However, today's laboratories have migrated from batch analysis to a more automated and fluid workflow; the standard practice of immediate result reporting has compounded the need for appropriate QC strategies so that the time between reporting a result and the next scheduled QC event is optimized.

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC; Washington DC, USA) announced that a 60-minute webinar would take place on customizing quality control for improved patient safety. It will be held on March 5, 2010, at 14:00 hours (EST).

The program will be supported, in part, by Bio-Rad Laboratories (Plano, TX, USA; www.biorad.com) and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics (Walpole, MA, USA), and is directed towards members of the media.

Curtis A. Parvin, Ph.D., manager of advanced statistical research, quality systems division, Bio-Rad Laboratories will explain why the traditional batch-based QC practices are not good enough for today's workflow, how laboratories can customize QC practices to their workflow, what QC rules best determine that the laboratory's testing is still in control, and how to maximize patient safety in today's world of immediate result reporting. The program will be followed by a question and answer session.

For more information about the webinar or AACC, please contact Peter Patterson, professional affairs coordinator at AACC (please see related links below).

AACC is a leading professional society dedicated to improving healthcare through laboratory medicine. Its over 9,000 members are clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and others involved in developing tests and directing laboratory operations.

Related Links:
American Association of clinical chemistry
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
Contact Mr. Peter Patterson