When inspecting an internal quality-control plot for a blood gas analyzer, you notice several data points sporadically appearing outside the 2 standard deviation (SD) range. This represents what type of analytic error?
1) Random error
2) Bias
3) Imprecision
4) Systematic error
A)1 and 3 only
B)2 and 4 only
C)1, 2, and 4 only
D)1, 2, 3, and 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data points appearing outside the 2 SD range indicate both random errors (sporadic appearances) and imprecision (inconsistent results outside the expected range). Bias and systematic errors involve consistent deviations from the expected value, which is not indicated by the sporadic appearance of the data points in this scenario.

When Inspecting an Internal Quality-Control Plot for a Blood Gas