Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

What are Westgard rules primarily used for?

1. Verifying equipment durability

2. Checking blood gas quality control

3. Training of laboratory technicians

4. Standardizing laboratory protocols

The correct answer is: Checking blood gas quality control

Westgard rules are primarily used for checking blood gas quality control. These rules help laboratories maintain the quality and accuracy of their testing processes by providing a systematic method to determine if the analytical processes are in control. They consist of various statistical criteria that signal when a process may be out of control or when results may be unreliable. This is crucial in clinical settings where accurate blood gas measurements are vital for patient management and treatment decisions. While the other options, such as verifying equipment durability, training of laboratory technicians, and standardizing protocols, are important aspects of laboratory operations, they do not specifically pertain to the application of Westgard rules. The primary focus of Westgard rules is to ensure the validity of the test results through effective quality control measures, making them essential in the context of blood gas analysis.