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Building skillsets of lab professionals with workbooks
Introduction
Like professionals in other fields, lab professionals also need to educate themselves on new advances in the field while continually refreshing their foundational knowledge. With the current rapid pace of new developments, platforms, and technologies, it is important to have the opportunity for continuous training and learning throughout one’s career. Continuing education covers a broad spectrum of topics and approaches, but generally refers to structured learning that a person undertakes after their formal education. Regardless of position, function, or job level, all laboratory professionals need access to resources to support their educational growth and to stay up-to-date on laboratory practices.
Continuing education activities range from online webinars, face-to-face meetings, congresses, and classes, to online training platforms. For laboratory professionals, continuing education can be found on a broad range of topics, including test procedures, safety, new platform technology developments, statistics, new assay techniques, quality control materials, and quality systems management. In the past decade, there has been an accelerated transition from print to digital learning materials for some learning formats. Continuing education for laboratory professionals is provided through numerous channels, allowing a tailored approach to their specific professional situation, interests, or needs.
Workbooks include course material that explains key topics with specific examples and knowledge checks, allowing readers to make progress at their own pace.
Participants will gain a better understanding of various topics related to laboratory quality control. Laboratory professionals who are committed to achieving a higher standard of quality and improved reliability of patient test results, will find valuable background information in this workbook series.
The first workbook focuses on the basics of quality control statistics and its application in clinical labs. It is intended for those who are new to the laboratory or as a refresher for existing staff.
The workbook covers topics including:
- Definition, calculation, and application of statistical terms
- Description and review of the different QC statistical rules
- How to construct a Levey-Jennings chart and how to evaluate graphed data for out-of-control events
A new digital resource is the electronic workbook, "Basic Statistics in Clinical Laboratory Quality Control". The workbook is part of a series in development by Bio-Rad Laboratories to provide continuing education focused on laboratory quality control in an accessible and easy-to-use format. The QC workbook series is digitally designed and available online as an interactive series provided at no cost to learners.
The following figure illustrates two examples of how QC rules 13s and 12s are explained.
Individuals will also learn how to identify which statistical rules detect random error and which rules detect systematic error. The workbook explains the differences between trends and shifts (see figure 2) and the potential causes described in detail.
The knowledge checks, which are included at different places in this workbook, aim to evaluate the learner’s understanding and knowledge of the presented topics.
As an example, two practice evaluation charts (Figure 3) are included after the section discussing QC rules ∓ Levey- Jennings charts.
Participants need to study the Levey- Jennings charts to evaluate the last run QC (Run Number 12) context with the preceding runs. They are then asked to identify whether a QC rule was violated and if so, which one and identify the type of error most likely associated with the control rule violations.
In this example, the correct answers are:
chart 1: Rule Violated: 13s
Error: Random or Large Systematic
chart 2: Rule Violated: None
Error: None
Another topic is the evaluation of within-lab precision using the coefficient of variation ratio and the evaluation of laboratory trueness using the standard deviation index. The formulas, specific factors, practical examples and interactive self-tests are in detail.
Finally, the QC statistics workbook reviews QC Crossover Studies (QC Lot Change Studies), how they are performed and an explanation on the number of data points needed, with or without historical QC data, as recommended by the guidance document, CLSI C24.
After completing the reading and knowledge checks, the individual is directed to a link to an exam consisting of 20 questions. Successful completion of the exam with a score of 70% or higher is required to receive 2.5 P.A.C.E. continuing education credits and a Certificate of Completion.
The second workbook in the series is also available. This workbook provides a detailed discussion on the types of QC materials, considerations for selection of QC material and proper handling. The second workbook is approved for 2 P.A.C.E. continuing education credits.
The online workbooks will be accessible on computers and tablets, and for offline learners or future reference, a pdf file can be downloaded.
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