How does a Levy-Jennings chart help laboratories?

The Levy-Jennings chart is a valuable tool used in laboratories for quality control purposes. It visually displays control data over time, allowing laboratory personnel to monitor the stability and performance of tests. By plotting control results and incorporating statistical limits, the chart helps identify trends or variations that could indicate problems with assay performance or testing processes.

When control results fall outside of the established control limits, or when a trend is noted, it prompts further investigation into the potential causes, such as reagent degradation, instrument malfunction, or procedural errors. This ability to detect shifts or trends in control data ensures that laboratories maintain high-quality results and can address issues proactively, thus maintaining confidence in patient test results.

Other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a Levy-Jennings chart, as it is specifically focused on monitoring test performance rather than summarizing patient histories, calculating lab revenue, or managing personnel assignments.