What is the main purpose of a quality control program in a laboratory?

The main purpose of a quality control program in a laboratory is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. A quality control program involves a systematic approach to monitor various aspects of laboratory processes to detect any variations that may affect the quality of results. By implementing standardized procedures, regular monitoring, and corrective actions as needed, laboratories can maintain consistency in their testing processes. This is crucial for providing trustworthy results that inform decision-making in environmental monitoring, public health, and other critical areas where precise analytical data is required.

While increasing the output of tests, enhancing employee performance, and reducing the cost of testing are valuable considerations for laboratory operations, they are secondary to the primary goal of quality control, which is to produce valid and reliable results. Without this foundational quality assurance, the other goals may be compromised, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions and decisions based on faulty data.