Q: Does QC for tests such as CBCs or blood gases have to be performed exactly at eight hour intervals or is there an acceptable range?
A: Laboratories should attempt to perform QC as close to eight hour intervals as possible, when required. A range may be specified in written policy, such as within 15 minutes before or after the eight hour mark, providing a 30 minute window. Ranges in excess of +/-30 minutes, producing a window over an hour, are not recommended.
Assessment of workflow might be considered if adherence to the time interval requirement is not being met.