What solution is used to monitor a test system to ensure reliability and accuracy of test results?

What solution is used to monitor a test system to ensure reliability and accuracy of test results?

• A. Calibrator
• B. Diluent
• C. Control
• D. Reagent

Answer: (C)

Quality control focused on monitoring a test system to ensure results stay reliable and accurate. A control is a material with a known, defined value that runs with patient samples to verify that the entire testing process—instrument performance, reagents, and procedures—is functioning correctly. If the control results come back as expected, you have evidence the system is working and patient results are trustworthy. Calibrators set or verify the measurement scale but don’t continuously monitor ongoing performance the way controls do. Diluent is just used to adjust volumes or concentrations, not to check system reliability. Reagents are the chemicals used in the assay, not monitors of performance. So the option that best fits monitoring reliability and accuracy over time is the control.

Quality control focused on monitoring a test system to ensure results stay reliable and accurate. A control is a material with a known, defined value that runs with patient samples to verify that the entire testing process—instrument performance, reagents, and procedures—is functioning correctly. If the control results come back as expected, you have evidence the system is working and patient results are trustworthy. Calibrators set or verify the measurement scale but don’t continuously monitor ongoing performance the way controls do. Diluent is just used to adjust volumes or concentrations, not to check system reliability. Reagents are the chemicals used in the assay, not monitors of performance. So the option that best fits monitoring reliability and accuracy over time is the control.