The Importance of Quality Control in Laboratory Work
One of the most important yet often overlooked processes in laboratories is quality control. No lab can function properly unless there is sufficient quality control.
Precision and accuracy
Avoiding or disregarding quality control measures will cause decline in the accuracy of results. Having a viable quality control system will allow the integrity of samples to remain upheld, meaning samples will not be compromised and time and money not lost. Another aspect of this is ensuring that instruments are fully calibrated, providing further precision and accuracy.
If quality control measures are breached, test results are likely to be unreliable and with lab work being some of the most important work, it can have widespread negative effects outside of the lab.
Good customer relationship
When operating in a testing or research lab, maintaining a good relationship with your client is paramount. Not taking sufficient quality control measures can result in inaccurate and unreliable outcomes to your research, as previously mentioned. Keep in mind that the research or testing you do could be the difference between life or death for other people. Inaccurate or unreliable test results will breach any trust gained from your customers.
Loss of trust with your clients is virtually impossible to regain. Your clients will see that you are not taking your work seriously, and most obviously not taking sufficient quality control measures. This can be seriously harmful to your businesses reputation.
Safety
Making sure lab equipment isn’t malfunctioning and is safe to use is essential. The safety of those working in the laboratory should never be overlooked and even if your lab is full of state-of-the-art equipment, it can fail if not maintained. Sub-par levels of quality control can compromise the safety of those working in the lab. Equipment is what the user makes it and if you don’t use it correctly and safely there may be negative consequences.
Quality control is more than just making assuring you have checked off the standard checklists. It prioritises the safety of those working in the lab, accurate and precise results, and strengthens the trust of your clients.
Taking the above-mentioned measures will help you to have a more reputable and trustable lab that proves maximum quality in every facet of your research or tests.