To improve the measurement accuracy of cholesterol machines, it is necessary to start from multiple aspects such as the instrument itself, the test sample, the operator, and the external environment to ensure that the measurement results are as accurate and reliable as possible. The specific methods are as follows:
Instrument and equipment
- Regular calibration: Calibrate the cholesterol machine regularly according to the recommendations of the equipment manufacturer. During the calibration process, a standard sample with a known cholesterol concentration is used for measurement, the measurement results of the machine are compared with the standard value, and the machine parameters are adjusted to ensure the accuracy of its measurement. The calibration frequency can be determined according to the frequency of use of the instrument and the requirements of the manual. Generally, instruments that are used more frequently are calibrated at least once a month.
- Maintenance and care: Develop a strict instrument maintenance plan, clean the inside and outside of the instrument regularly, and prevent dust, dirt, etc. from affecting the performance of the instrument. Regularly inspect and maintain the key components of the instrument, such as the detection probe, optical system, etc., and replace worn or aged components in time. For example, if the sensitivity of the detection probe decreases, it will directly affect the accuracy of the measurement results, and it needs to be replaced in time.
- Performance evaluation and update: Regularly conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of the cholesterol machine, and verify the measurement accuracy of the instrument by comparing the measurement results with other high-precision instruments or participating in inter-laboratory comparison tests. If the instrument performance is found to be degraded and cannot be restored through routine maintenance, the equipment should be updated in time and a new cholesterol measuring instrument with more advanced technology and higher accuracy should be adopted.
Test sample aspect
- Standard sample collection: Blood samples should be collected strictly in accordance with standard operating procedures. For example, patients should be informed that they need to fast for 8-12 hours before collecting samples to avoid the influence of diet on cholesterol levels. The blood collection process should be standardized to avoid the occurrence of hemolysis, because hemolysis will cause changes in blood composition, which will affect the accuracy of cholesterol measurement results.
- Sample storage and transportation: The collected samples should be properly stored and transported. Generally speaking, blood samples should not be stored for too long at room temperature. If they need to be stored for a long time, they should be placed in an environment with a suitable temperature as required, such as 2-8℃ refrigerated storage. During transportation, ensure that the samples are not affected by severe vibration, temperature changes, etc. to ensure the stability of the samples.
Operator aspect
- Professional training: Operators should receive professional training and be familiar with the working principle, operation method, maintenance points and handling of common faults of cholesterol machines. The training content not only includes theoretical knowledge, but also focuses on the training of practical operation skills to ensure that operators can perform sample testing proficiently and accurately. After the training, an assessment should be conducted, and only those who pass the assessment can operate the instrument.
- Strictly abide by the operating procedures: Operators are required to strictly follow the operating procedures when using the cholesterol machine. From the amount of sample addition, the order of sample addition, to the start-up of the instrument, parameter setting, result reading and other links, they must be accurate. At the same time, operators should develop good operating habits, such as checking the instrument status before each operation and cleaning the instrument in time after operation.
External environment
- Control the temperature and humidity of the environment: The cholesterol machine has certain requirements for the temperature and humidity of the working environment. Generally speaking, the suitable temperature range is 18-25℃, and the relative humidity is 40%-60%. Under such environmental conditions, the performance of the instrument can be better exerted and the measurement results are more accurate. Therefore, temperature and humidity adjustment equipment, such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers, should be installed in the room where the instrument is located to ensure that the ambient temperature and humidity meet the requirements.
- Avoid electromagnetic interference: Cholesterol machines are usually sophisticated electronic devices that are easily affected by electromagnetic interference. Therefore, the instrument should be placed away from large electrical equipment and strong magnetic field sources (such as nuclear magnetic resonance equipment) to avoid the influence of electromagnetic interference on the instrument measurement signal and ensure the stability and accuracy of the measurement results.