Shifts

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Quality Control. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Shifts

  • A shift, on the other hand, describes a sudden change in the data mean that persists throughout further days of testing.
  • Shifts can be caused by any one of a number of reasons, including persistent instrument malfunction, loss of calibration, or improper reagents.
  • Shifts are often easier to recognize than trends, as the data may be more clearly suspect.
  • Again, shifts must be corrected as soon as possible, as patient data are most likely already invalid.
  • In the example to the right, the large jump on day 8 followed by persistently high control values means that a shift has occurred.