Laboratory Quality control is designed to detect, reduce, and correct deficiencies in a laboratory's internal analytical process prior to the release of patient results and improve the quality of the results reported by the laboratory. Quality control is a measure of precision and accuracy and how well the measurement system reproduces the same result over time and under varying operating conditions.

1. Use quality control materials with the same matrix as patient specimens, including viscosity, turbidity, composition, and color.



2. Note that the use of liquid control materials are more convenient than freeze dried controls because they do not have to be reconstituted; minimizing pipetting error.

3. Remember that the use of quality control materials stable for long periods of time in large enough quantities to last at least one year.

4. Keep in mind the use of quality controls should have target values that are close to medical decision points. Quantitative tests should include a minimum of one control with a target value in the healthy person reference interval and a second control with a target value that would be seen in a sick patient.