What Is Laboratory Quality Control, and Why Does It Matter?
By Reyami Ventures · 10/14/2026
Introduction
Laboratory results are useful only when the process behind them is dependable enough for the intended purpose. Quality control therefore needs to be part of routine laboratory work, not something considered only after a problem appears. Equipment, materials, documented procedures, staff practices and records all contribute to consistent work.
Requirements vary by laboratory type, test or application, and any relevant regulatory or accreditation framework. There is no single checklist that applies identically to every laboratory. The questions below help teams think through procedures, equipment checks, records and corrective action.
What does laboratory quality control mean?
Laboratory quality control refers to planned checks used to assess whether a process or output meets defined requirements. Depending on the work, this may involve control materials, reference checks or instrument performance checks. The checks should be appropriate to the method and defined in approved procedures.
How is quality control different from quality assurance?
Quality control generally focuses on checking whether a particular process or result meets established criteria. Quality assurance is broader and concerns the systems and practices intended to provide confidence that quality requirements will be met. Use the definitions adopted by the laboratory's own quality system.
Why should quality control be planned before testing begins?
Planning helps ensure that relevant checks, materials, equipment and records are available when needed. If the process is considered only after work starts, the laboratory may discover that a required check was missed or important information was not recorded.
What role does laboratory equipment play in quality control?
Equipment should be suitable for its intended use and managed according to relevant instructions and laboratory procedures. Depending on the instrument, this may include checks before use, maintenance, calibration or performance verification. Applicable activities should be documented.
Why are written procedures important?
Written procedures provide a consistent reference for how work should be performed and checked. They reduce reliance on memory, support training and make it easier to review whether the intended process was followed. Procedures should be current and aligned with the laboratory's actual methods.
What should quality records contain?
Records should capture the information required by the laboratory's approved system and relevant method. This may include the check performed, date, equipment or material identification, observed outcome, acceptance criteria and action taken when an issue occurs.
What should happen when a quality check fails?
Follow the laboratory's documented procedure. Depending on the situation, this may require pausing affected work, investigating possible causes, notifying the responsible person, recording the issue and reviewing work already completed.
How can staff contribute to consistent quality control?
Staff should understand which checks apply to their work, where approved procedures are located, how results are recorded and whom to contact when something is outside the expected range. Training should match each person's responsibilities.
How do consumables and other materials affect quality processes?
Materials should be suitable for the intended application and handled according to product guidance and laboratory procedures. Where traceability, storage conditions, expiry or lot information matters, the laboratory should define how these details are checked and recorded.
How often should equipment and procedures be reviewed?
Follow the applicable method, manufacturer instructions, laboratory procedures and relevant regulatory or accreditation requirements. Reviews may also be needed when an instrument is moved, repaired, modified or used for a different purpose. Do not apply one universal interval to every instrument.
Can one quality checklist be used for every activity?
A shared framework can help organize responsibilities, but actual checks need to match each method and activity. Different instruments and applications may require different acceptance criteria, records and escalation steps.
How can a laboratory prepare for an audit or internal review?
Keep procedures, records and responsibilities organized. Review whether records are complete, current and retrievable, and whether identified issues were handled according to the documented process. Audit scope depends on the applicable quality system or framework.
What should be considered when introducing new equipment?
Determine what installation, training, verification, maintenance, documentation and supporting materials are required under relevant procedures. Confirm who is responsible for each step and what evidence must be retained before routine use.
When should a laboratory seek specialist guidance?
Seek qualified guidance when introducing a method, changing equipment, interpreting a requirement or addressing recurring quality issues. The relevant technical lead, quality manager, manufacturer or qualified specialist should be consulted as appropriate.
Final Takeaway
Laboratory quality control works best when built into routine activity. Appropriate checks, current procedures, suitable equipment, competent staff and complete records help teams identify issues and respond through a defined process. The exact system should reflect the laboratory's methods and applicable requirements.
When planning equipment or broader laboratory needs, consider the procedures, training, records and support needed for responsible use. Reyami Ventures can be approached for discussions about laboratory products and equipment, while technical quality requirements should be confirmed with qualified personnel.
Frequently asked questions
To check whether relevant processes or outputs meet defined criteria using checks appropriate to the method and laboratory procedures.
No. Quality control usually concerns specific checks, while quality assurance covers the wider system intended to support quality.
No. Requirements vary by discipline, method, application and applicable quality framework.
Records help show what was checked, what was observed and what action was taken when required.
Follow the approved procedure, notify the responsible person and document the issue and required follow-up.
Not automatically. Applicable installation, verification, training and documentation steps should be determined and completed before routine use.
Reyami Ventures can be contacted about laboratory products and equipment. Method-specific quality decisions should be confirmed with the relevant technical or quality specialist.