Internal Quality Control (IQC) - Histology

What is Internal Quality Control (IQC) in Histology?

Internal Quality Control (IQC) in Histology refers to the systematic processes and procedures implemented within a laboratory to ensure that histological analyses are accurate, reliable, and consistent. IQC encompasses a range of practices designed to monitor and maintain the quality of tissue samples, staining protocols, and microscopy techniques.

Why is IQC Important in Histology?

IQC is crucial in histology because it ensures the integrity and reliability of diagnostic and research results. Consistent quality control helps in detecting errors and variations in procedures, which can significantly affect the interpretation of histological findings. By implementing robust IQC measures, laboratories can avoid misdiagnosis and ensure the reproducibility of results.

Key Components of IQC in Histology

Several key components form the backbone of an effective IQC system in histology:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): SOPs outline the precise steps for various histological processes, ensuring uniformity and consistency.
Control Samples: These are known samples with established outcomes used to validate the accuracy of new tests.
Equipment Calibration: Regular calibration and maintenance of equipment like microtomes and microscopes are essential to obtain accurate results.
Reagent Quality: Ensuring the quality and consistency of reagents used in staining and other histological procedures is critical.
Documentation: Detailed records of all procedures, results, and anomalies help in tracking performance and identifying areas for improvement.

How to Implement IQC in Histology?

To implement IQC in a histology laboratory, the following steps should be taken:

Develop and Adhere to SOPs: Create detailed SOPs for every procedure and ensure all staff are trained to follow them.

Relevant Publications

ICSH review of internal quality control policy for blood cell counters.

Issue Release: 2024

Practical application of the patient data-based quality control method: the potassium example.

Issue Release: 2024

The surveys on quality indicators for the total testing process in clinical laboratories of Fujian Province in China from 2018 to 2023.

Issue Release: 2024

ICSH guidance for internal quality control policy for blood cell counters.

Issue Release: 2024

Analysis of Imprecision for Internal Quality Control of Newborn Screening by Tandem Mass Spectrometry in China, 2015 - 2021.

Issue Release: 2024

Quality control in the Netherlands; todays practices and starting points for guidance and future research.

Issue Release: 2024

Sigma metrics analysis of serology screening assays to enhance quality and efficiency in New Zealand blood services.

Issue Release: 2024

Quality Control in RT-PCR Viral Load Assays: Evaluation of Analytical Performance for HIV, HBV, and HCV.

Issue Release: 2024

Six SIGMA evaluation of 17 biochemistry parameters using bias calculated from internal quality control and external quality assurance data.

Issue Release: 2024

Application of Patient-Based Real-Time Quality Control Based on Artificial Intelligence Monitoring Platform in Continuously Quality Risk Monitoring of Down Syndrome Serum Screening.

Issue Release: 2024

Establishment and evaluation of Voting algorithm-based internal quality control (ViQC), a patient-based real-time quality control.

Issue Release: 2024

Quality Assurance for Multiplex Quantitative Clinical Chemistry Proteomics in Large Clinical Trials.

Issue Release: 2024

Practical considerations on redesigning internal quality control process to verify the traceability of clinical results for decision-making.

Issue Release: 2024

Clinical and laboratory key performance indicators in IVF: A consensus between the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) and the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR).

Issue Release: 2023

Exploration and optimization of extraction, analysis and data normalization strategies for mass spectrometry-based DNA adductome mapping and modeling.

Issue Release: 2023

Sigma metric used to evaluate the performance of haematology analysers: choosing an internal reference analyser for the laboratory.

Issue Release: 2023

Analytical performance specifications and quality assurance of point-of-care testing in primary healthcare.

Issue Release: 2023

Application of a six sigma model to evaluate the analytical performance of cerebrospinal fluid biochemical analytes and the design of quality control strategies for these assays: A single-centre study.

Issue Release: 2023

Effects of frozen storage conditions and freezing rate on the stability of coagulation proteins in human plasma.

Issue Release: 2023

Fifth Generation Quality Control of Immunoassay Parameters by Six Sigma Value.

Issue Release: 2023

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