Having a comprehensive quality control program in place is essential to medical laboratories in order to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their test results while also meeting the requirements of external quality assessment programs. Quality control plays an important role in minimizing the probability of laboratory errors and boosting patient confidence in laboratory test results. Quality control processes can be broadly classified as external or internal quality control processes.

External quality control (QC) processes include external proficiency testing, external quality assurance programs, and professional inspection surveys. External proficiency testing plays an important role in ensuring medical laboratories meet quality standards and confirms the reliability of laboratory methods. External quality assurance programs provide a form of independent peer-review, which help laboratories to evaluate the accuracy of their laboratory test results. Professional inspections surveys ensure laboratories are using good laboratory practices and make sure laboratories are compliant with regulations.

Internal quality control processes help a laboratory to maintain a reliable and accurate performance over time. Internal quality control processes include using operating procedures, reference materials, and control materials. Operating procedures help laboratories to monitor their test performance and ensure consistent results. Reference materials and controls provide assurance that analytical methods, procedures, and equipment are performing correctly.

Both external and internal quality control processes are important for ensuring accuracy and reliability in laboratory test results. As such, adhering to the highest standards of quality control is essential in order to maintain an effective quality control program. Laboratories must regularly perform quality control tests, and continuously monitor and analyze their results in order to identify potential problems with their tests or equipment. Additionally, they must stay abreast of any improvements that can be made to their tests or equipment in order to ensure optimal performance. Overall, quality control is essential for medical laboratories, and having a successful program in place is necessary in order to meet the requirements of external quality assessment programs and to provide accurate and reliable test results to patients.

Quality control processes such as external proficiency testing, external QC programs, and internal QC processes help laboratories to identify and rectify errors and ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. Adhering to their quality control requirements and protocols and regularly monitoring their performance are key to maintaining an effective quality control program.