American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

What is the primary goal of proficiency testing in a laboratory?

1. To maintain employee satisfaction

2. To ensure accuracy of test results

3. To improve laboratory equipment

4. To streamline laboratory processes

The correct answer is: To ensure accuracy of test results

The primary goal of proficiency testing in a laboratory is to ensure the accuracy of test results. Proficiency testing serves as a critical component in quality assurance and quality control within laboratory settings. It involves assessing the performance of laboratory personnel and their methods against established standards by providing them with unknown samples to analyze. The results are then compared to the expected results to determine if the laboratory can produce accurate and reliable outcomes. This process not only helps in verifying the technical competence of the laboratory staff but also ensures that the laboratory processes are correctly identifying and measuring various analytes. By participating in proficiency testing, laboratories can identify areas needing improvement, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the testing services they provide. While maintaining employee satisfaction, improving laboratory equipment, and streamlining laboratory processes are important for the overall functioning of a laboratory, these elements are not the primary focus of proficiency testing, which is specifically aimed at validating testing accuracy and reliability.