Using the App

QC Simulator

Premium tool. Open from /training-dashboard → QC Simulator or via the route /qc-simulator.

The QC Simulator generates realistic IQC scenarios across analytes and asks you to interpret them against Westgard rules and Levey-Jennings charts.

What it does

• Generates a daily QC dataset across your chosen analyte panel (e.g. U&E, FBC, LFT, troponin)
• Plots the results on a Levey-Jennings chart at ±1, ±2, ±3 SD
• Asks you to identify whether the run is in control, warning, or rejected
• Walks you through the matching Westgard rule (1-3s, 2-2s, R-4s, 4-1s, 10x, etc.)
• Explains what the run means for the next steps (accept, repeat, investigate) in the feedback

Westgard rules covered

• 1-3s — single result outside ±3 SD (random error, reject)
• 2-2s — two consecutive results outside ±2 SD on the same side (systematic error, reject)
• R-4s — range of 4 SD between consecutive results (random error, reject)
• 4-1s — four consecutive results outside ±1 SD on the same side (systematic, reject)
• 10x / 12x — ten/twelve consecutive results on the same side of the mean (systematic, reject)
• 1-2s — single result outside ±2 SD (warning only, not a reject)

Six Sigma context

A reference card explains how an assay's Sigma metric drives the choice of QC rules (the simulator does not calculate a Sigma score for your runs):

• Sigma > 6 — minimal rule set (1-3s only)
• Sigma 4-6 — standard Westgard multi-rule
• Sigma < 4 — extended rules + more frequent QC

Bands and competency mapping

• Band 4 / 5 — recognise out-of-control runs, escalate appropriately
• Band 6 / 7 — investigate root causes, select rule sets per analyte, present QC performance at management review

Attempts are recorded in your training progress and CPD log; cite them in your IBMS portfolio as evidence of QC competence.

Standards alignment

• CLSI EP15-A3 and CLSI EP23-A for QC frequency and design
• ISO 15189:2022 clause 7.3 (Quality control of examination results)
• Westgard QC multi-rule framework (current)
• UK NEQAS for the EQA half of the picture (see article 42)

Common interview question themes

• "Walk me through how you would handle a 2-2s flag on a routine troponin run"
• "How do you decide which Westgard rules to apply to a new method?"
• "How does Sigma scoring affect your QC strategy?"
• "Tell me about a time you investigated a QC trend"

Pair the QC Simulator with the Method Validation Simulator (article 41) — they overlap on rule selection and assay performance.