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

Which component is essential in a laboratory's quality assurance program?

1. Employee evaluations

2. Proficiency testing

3. Regular equipment maintenance

4. Sample labeling protocols

The correct answer is: Proficiency testing

Proficiency testing is a vital component of a laboratory's quality assurance program because it provides a standardized method to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of testing processes. This involves comparing a laboratory's results with those obtained from a reference laboratory or a panel of samples that have known outcomes. By participating in proficiency testing, labs can identify potential areas for improvement, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and maintain high quality in test results. While employee evaluations, regular equipment maintenance, and sample labeling protocols are important aspects of laboratory operations—contributing to overall quality and safety—they do not provide the same level of external validation of test accuracy and reliability as proficiency testing does. Proficiency testing specifically addresses the competency of the laboratory's testing processes in a structured way, making it essential in a quality assurance framework.