Sometimes fresh QC analysis, recalibration, or changing reagents does not restore the analyzer to normal analytical expectations. More advanced troubleshooting is then necessary to understand the cause of the analytical failures observed.
- If probes, bulbs, pipette tips, or other instrument parts are replaceable by a technologist, these may need to be considered as possible culprits.
- These tend to be considerations later in troubleshooting as they are less likely to be the cause of the problem. However, based on user experience and analyzer expectations, the replacement of parts may be a troubleshooting step that occurs earlier in the process.
- If available, analyze previously tested proficiency testing (PT) material to verify the accuracy of results.
- PT material may serve as a "second opinion" in terms of assay performance.
- PT material, frozen at low temperatures, may be stable enough to provide long-term accuracy checks when troubleshooting analyzer failures.
- If PT material is tested and is within expected peer ranges, it tends to point toward normal analyzer and calibration function and bad or failing QC.
- Patient (or QC) material can also be tested on another analyzer within the same laboratory or sent to another laboratory.
- This data may help differentiate QC material issues versus analyzer-specific issues.
