SelectScience InterviewsClinical Diagnostics
Maintaining QC accuracy in clinical labs through responsible AI use
1 Oct 2025
Sten Westgard, Director, Client Services and Technology, Westgard QC, explores the impact of staffing pressures and insufficient training on the stability of quality control (QC) in clinical laboratories. Following a global survey of 1,200 labs, data has revealed that there is a concerning rise in repeated controls. While artificial intelligence (AI) and automation offer a promising solution to improve QC workflows, hear why expert oversight remains critical to ensure that AI-driven solutions are implemented correctly and contribute meaningfully to maintaining high standards in laboratory quality processes.
This interview was filmed for CLINICAL24 2025
Tags
Artificial Intelligence / Machine LearningArtificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transformative technologies used to analyze complex data, identify patterns, and make data-driven predictions across diverse scientific fields. Automate the analysis of large or complex data sets using AI algorithms and leverage machine learning models to improve diagnostics, accelerate drug discovery, and refine experimental design. Discover the best AI/ML software, platforms, and analytical tools in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare features, read customer reviews, and request pricing directly from manufacturers.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types. Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ADLMQCQuality ControlQuality control is needed in all production processes. Quality control is a monitoring procedure or set of procedures that are put in place to ensure that a manufactured product adheres to a defined set of quality criteria. CLINICAL24CLINICAL24 is a global conversation, hosted by SelectScience for the medical laboratory profession and all those that support it. The purpose of CLINICAL24 is to highlight current lab challenges, and to explore the technology solutions to overcome them.