Which Westgard QC rule flags random error?

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Multiple Choice

Which Westgard QC rule flags random error?

Explanation:
The key idea is how Westgard rules separate random (imprecision) from systematic (bias) problems in control data. A single control result that lies more than three standard deviations from the mean is an unlikely outlier caused by random variation in the measurement process, so this pattern flags random error in that run. In contrast, other patterns indicate systematic issues: two consecutive results beyond two standard deviations on the same side suggest bias or drift; four consecutive results beyond one standard deviation on the same side signal a gradual shift or trend; and a lone point beyond two standard deviations is only a warning, not a definite error.

The key idea is how Westgard rules separate random (imprecision) from systematic (bias) problems in control data. A single control result that lies more than three standard deviations from the mean is an unlikely outlier caused by random variation in the measurement process, so this pattern flags random error in that run. In contrast, other patterns indicate systematic issues: two consecutive results beyond two standard deviations on the same side suggest bias or drift; four consecutive results beyond one standard deviation on the same side signal a gradual shift or trend; and a lone point beyond two standard deviations is only a warning, not a definite error.

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