The Importance of External Controls in Immunohistochemical Assays: Ensuring Accuracy and Precision
Summary
- Accuracy and precision of external controls are crucial in immunohistochemical assays for medical lab and phlebotomy purposes.
- Factors such as storage conditions, expiration dates, and proper handling must be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of external controls.
- Regular monitoring and evaluation of external controls are essential to ensure reliable and accurate results in medical lab tests.
The Importance of External Controls in Immunohistochemical Assays
Immunohistochemical assays play a vital role in medical laboratories and phlebotomy practices across the United States. These assays are used to detect the presence of specific antigens in tissue samples, helping clinicians diagnose diseases and monitor treatment outcomes. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of these tests, external controls are essential components that must be carefully evaluated. In this blog post, we will discuss the factors that should be considered when assessing the accuracy and precision of external controls in immunohistochemical assays for medical lab and phlebotomy purposes.
What are External Controls?
External controls are reference materials or samples that are run alongside patient samples in laboratory tests. These controls are used to validate the accuracy of Test Results and ensure that the assay is performing as expected. In immunohistochemical assays, external controls help to verify that the staining process is consistent, the antibodies are working properly, and the tissue samples are reacting as expected.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating External Controls
1. Storage Conditions
Proper storage of external controls is essential to maintain their stability and effectiveness. Factors such as temperature, light exposure, and humidity can all affect the performance of external controls. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage and handling to ensure the controls remain viable for use. If external controls are not stored correctly, they may deteriorate over time, leading to inaccurate Test Results.
2. Expiration Dates
External controls have expiration dates that should be carefully monitored and adhered to. Using controls that have expired can compromise the accuracy of Test Results and may lead to false outcomes. It is important to regularly check the expiration dates of external controls and replace them as needed to ensure the validity of laboratory tests. In addition, expired controls should be properly disposed of and not used in testing procedures.
3. Proper Handling
External controls should be handled with care to prevent contamination and maintain their integrity. Contaminated controls can skew Test Results and lead to erroneous conclusions. Proper handling practices include using sterile equipment, following aseptic techniques, and avoiding Cross-Contamination between samples. By observing proper handling protocols, laboratory staff can help ensure the accuracy and reliability of immunohistochemical assays.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular monitoring and evaluation of external controls are essential to verify their accuracy and precision. Laboratory professionals should routinely run Quality Control tests using external controls to assess the performance of the assay. Any deviations or Discrepancies in results should be investigated promptly to identify potential issues and address them accordingly. By conducting regular assessments of external controls, laboratories can maintain the quality of Test Results and uphold patient safety.
Conclusion
External controls play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and precision of immunohistochemical assays in medical laboratories and phlebotomy practices. By considering factors such as storage conditions, expiration dates, and proper handling, laboratory professionals can effectively evaluate the effectiveness of external controls and maintain the reliability of Test Results. Regular monitoring and evaluation of external controls are essential practices that help uphold the quality of laboratory tests and contribute to patient care and safety.
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