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QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT
The
commitment to quality at NorDx applies to all aspects of our
service from testing and technology to courier transport,
specimen handling, and turnaround time. The NorDx Quality
Council, made up of a medical director, quality assurance
manager, laboratory director, and department supervisors,
is responsible for overseeing ongoing quality programs and
directing the implementation of new procedures and programs
to continually improve the quality of the testing and services
provided. This comprehensive approach includes the programs
described below:
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Test Request Validation
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Quality checks to validate data entry of critical
details of the test request data are built into our barcoded
accessioning procedures. Critical information such as the
test(s) ordered must be verified by different accessioning
technicians. This mandatory procedure minimizes data entry
errors, since any discrepancies in the entries must be resolved
before the test request will be
accepted.
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Intra-Laboratory Quality Control
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Multi-level quality control material is utilized to monitor
daily assay performance. Quality control data is evaluated
using computerized plots and statistical analysis. All instruments
are on a scheduled preventive maintenance program. Secondary material
such as aqueous-based clinical standards traceable to The National
Institute of Standards and Technology and the College of American
Pathologists (CAP) reference materials serve to enhance
standardization of test results.
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Inter-Laboratory Quality Control
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NorDx actively participates
in the CAP Interlaboratory Comparison Program, New York Department
of Health proficiency testing program, CAP Q-Probes, and CAP
Q-Track.
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Routine TAT Analysis
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Reports showing details of all pending test requests and
the length of time the requests have been pending are reviewed
daily. Those requests which exceed the maximum turnaround
time expected are investigated for cause of delay. This monitor
allows us to identify any specific problems with a request
and notify clients appropriately. It also allows NorDx to
identify trends and adjust them accordingly.
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STAT TAT Analysis
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STAT requests are reviewed on a regular basis for turnaround
time, calculated from time of test request entry to results
release.
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Findings which exceed our established acceptable limits
are investigated for cause at quality assurance meetings.
Corrective actions are documented and implemented.
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Results "Change After Release" Summary
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The number of revised, confirmed, corrected, and supplemental
reports are tallied monthly by department and client for review
at quality assurance meetings. A detailed report of each result
"changed after release" is kept on file for future reference.
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