CAP Pro Course - Blood Bank - Quality Control in the Blood Bank Laboratory (2026 & 2027)

Author: Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBB, DLM
Reviewers: Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP) and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Describe how quality is managed in the transfusion service.
  • Define the requirements for assessing specimen quality throughout the path of workflow.
  • Discuss the CLIA responsibilities of testing personnel and the general supervisor in assuring the quality of laboratory results.
  • Define a quality control plan.
  • Define the purpose of proficiency testing in laboratory quality management.
  • Describe the role of competency assessment in quality management.
  • Define the elements of an individualized quality control plan.

Course Outline

  • Describe how quality is managed in the transfusion service.
      • Role of Laboratory Director
      • Role of the Technical Consultant/Supervisor
      • The Quality Management Plan and Quality Manual
      • Equipment
      • Reagents, Supplies, and Quality Control Testing
      • QC Failures
      • Proficiency Testing
      • Training and Competency Assessment
      • Records
      • Quality Assurance (QA): Measuring Success and Identifying Opportunities for Improvement
      • The staff technologist has noted that results on the pending list are abnormally high for five specimens in a row. Which of the following is the first...
      • Which of the following must a new employee have documentation of training?
  • Define the requirements for assessing specimen quality throughout the path of workflow.
      • The Technologist: Gatekeeper of Quality
      • Specimen Identification
      • Tracing the Phlebotomist
      • Barcoding Patient Identification
      • Age of the Specimen Used for Compatibility Testing
      • A nurse has collected a blood sample from an outpatient for type and screen in the infusion clinic. Which of the following steps for maintaining patie...
      • Which of the following would best ensure the specimen label matched the patient's identifying information in designing a specimen collection process?
  • Discuss the CLIA responsibilities of testing personnel and the general supervisor in assuring the quality of laboratory results.
      • Roles of the Laboratory Director and Technical Supervisor/Consultant
      • Role of the General Supervisor
      • Role of Testing Personnel
      • Confidentiality of Patient Information
      • Which of the following can the laboratory director and technical supervisor delegate to a general supervisor?
      • Which of the following is not a duty of testing personnel?
  • Define a quality control plan.
      • Quality Control Plans
      • Deviations from Manufacturer's Instructions
      • Which of the following documents in the laboratory describes how the laboratory ensures that it provides accurate and timely laboratory results?
      • The general laboratory supervisor is reviewing the quality control records for the automated instrument and has noticed that the results have been cha...
  • Define the purpose of proficiency testing in laboratory quality management.
      • Proficiency Testing (PT)
      • Proficiency Testing (PT) Policies and Procedures
      • Acceptable Proficiency Testing (PT) Performance
      • When the Laboratory's Proficiency Testing (PT) Results Are Unacceptable
      • When Proficiency Testing (PT) Results Are Not Graded
      • The supervisor of the laboratory is reviewing the policy on proficiency testing. Which of the following should be included in the policy to ensure tha...
      • A second medical laboratory scientist (MLS) repeated testing on the proficiency testing (PT) sample. Under which of the following conditions is this a...
      • In reviewing the latest proficiency testing results for red blood cell antigen typing, the technologist notes that the results for one specimen have n...
  • Describe the role of competency assessment in quality management.
      • Methods of Competency Assessment for Laboratory Testing
      • Waived Testing
      • Moderate- and High-complexity Testing
      • The supervisor is designing a competency assessment for a type and screen performed by automated methods. Which of the following must be included in t...
      • Which of the following is not one of the six CLIA required components of competency assessments?
  • Define the elements of an individualized quality control plan.
      • Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP)
      • IQCP - Risk Assessment
      • IQCP - Risk Assessment (RA) Information Sources
      • IQCP - Quality Control Plan (QCP)
      • IQCP - Quality Assessment
      • Which types of tests are best suited for Individualized Quality Control Plans (IQCPs)?
      • What is the Individualized Quality Control Plan (IQCP) based on?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Intermediate
Intended Audience:  This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information:  Suzanne H. Butch, MA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBB, DLM, is the Administrative Manager for Healthcare, Blood Bank & Transfusion Service at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She holds a Bachelors in Medical Technology from the University of Michigan, a Masters Degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University, and Certifications as a Specialist in Blood Bank, as a Quality Audit and as a Diplomate in Laboratory Medicine. She has edited books and written numerous book chapters and articles and has been invited to present numerous lectures in the field of computerization in the blood bank, automation and transfusion medicine.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Rory Huschka, M. Ed., MLS(ASCP), has over 20 years of combined experience as a medical technologist, technical supervisor, professor, and manager. He is a former Program Director of the Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Laboratory Technician programs. Rory holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from North Dakota State University and an MS degree in Educational Leadership.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

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