Integrated quality control: implementation and validation of instrument function checks and procedural controls for a cartridge-based point-of-care system for critical care analysis.

In this article, the process used to develop and validate an integrated quality-control system for a cartridge-based, point-of-care system for critical care analysis is outlined. Application of risk management principles has resulted in a quality control system using a combination of statistical quality control with onboard reference solutions and failure pattern recognition used to flag common failure modes during the analytical phase of the testing process. A combination of traditional external quality control, integrated quality control to monitor ongoing instrument functionality, operator training, and other laboratory-implemented monitors is most effective in controlling known failure modes during the testing process.

Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin interference on co-oximetry based hemoglobin measurements.

Background: Hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl) and cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) are dark-red colored analogs of vitamin B-12. OHCbl is used as an alternate antidote for cyanide poisoning. Due to the strong red color, if uncorrected, these cobalamins interfere with hemoglobin measurements and can introduce errors in spectrophotometric assay on co-oximeters.