THE ROLE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE LABORATORY

Quality Assurance refers to the full range of practises to ensure that laboratory results are reliable. Quality Assurance may be defined as a system of documenting and cross referencing the management procedures of the laboratory. Its objective is to have clear and concise records of all procedure which may have a bearing on the quality of data, so that these procedures may be monitored with a view to ensure that quality is maintained.

The Quality Assurance role is in the following fields with respect to implementation of :

1. Management system
2. Sample receipt, storage and destruction
3. Training
4. Preparation of standard test and operating procedures
5. Laboratory facilities
6. Equipment maintenance and calibration as per schedule
7. Handling of customer complaints, feedback and queries

The ultimate role or QA program is to ensure that the laboratory functions efficiently and effectively.