What is quality control in a laboratory, and what does the lab check every day?
Medically reviewed by our consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (MBBS, MS OBG). Last reviewed: 8 November 2026.
Quality control in a laboratory is a daily check of the analysers, a bit like checking a weighing scale with a known weight. At Pai Hospital, Goa, the laboratory runs quality-control samples with known values every day before patient reports are released. If a check is outside its limits, patient reports wait until the check is repeated.
What is quality control in a laboratory, in simple words?
Think of a shop weighing scale. To see that the scale is working as expected, the shopkeeper can put a weight of known value on it. If the scale shows that weight, it is ready for the day's customers. If it does not, the shopkeeper sorts out the scale before weighing anything else.
A laboratory does the same with its analysers. Instead of a known weight, it uses quality-control samples: specially prepared samples whose values are already known. The lab runs these samples on the analyser and looks at whether the results fall within their expected limits. This daily routine is called quality control, often shortened to QC.
What does the Pai Hospital laboratory check every day?
Routine tests are done on automated analysers inside the hospital; read more about how our laboratory works. Every day, the lab staff:
- Run quality-control samples with known values on the analysers used for routine tests.
- Look at each result to see whether it falls within its expected limits.
- Look again at any check that is outside its limits before going on.
- Release patient reports only after the checks for that test are within their limits.
The laboratory is open 24 hours, every day, and the quality-control routine is part of its working day.
What happens if a check is outside its limits?
Patient reports on that test wait. The lab staff look for the reason, which can be something as simple as a reagent that needs changing or an analyser that needs attention. They correct it and repeat the check. Only when the repeated check is back within its limits are patient reports on that test released.
This is why, now and then, a report may take a little longer than usual. The pause is part of the checking routine.
Why are quality-control samples run before patient reports are released?
Because the check is meant to come first. Running the quality-control samples before releasing patient reports lets the lab see that the analyser is working as expected for that day, rather than finding out afterwards. Samples that come in at night go through the same routine; read what happens to an emergency blood sample at night.
Does quality control change how long my report takes?
Most routine reports are usually ready within hours. Some tests run at set times; ask the lab when your report will be ready. Tests sent to a partner laboratory take longer, and the lab staff will tell you when to expect the report.
What can I do as a patient?
- Follow the preparation the lab or your doctor gives you, such as fasting for some tests. Read blood test preparation and reports.
- Say your full name clearly when the sample is taken, and check the name on the label.
- Bring the doctor's slip and your earlier reports.
- Call or WhatsApp the laboratory before you come if you are not sure how to prepare.
Who explains my report?
Your treating doctor. A report is read together with your symptoms and your examination, so please do not start or stop any medicine based on the report alone. Written and reviewed by the Pai Hospital Team.
What is quality control in a laboratory?
Quality control is a daily check of the laboratory's analysers. Samples with known values, called quality-control samples, are run and their results are compared with the expected limits before patient reports are released. Some tests run at set times; ask the lab when your report will be ready.
Does the Pai Hospital laboratory run quality control every day?
Yes. The Pai Hospital laboratory runs quality-control samples every day before patient reports are released. Routine tests are done on automated analysers inside the hospital, and the laboratory is open 24 hours, every day.
What happens if a quality-control check is outside its limits?
Patient reports on that test wait. The lab staff find the reason, repeat the check, and release patient reports only after the check is back within its limits.
Why might my report take a little longer some days?
A report can wait while a check is repeated, and some tests run at set times. Most routine reports are usually ready within hours; tests sent to a partner laboratory take longer. Ask the lab when your report will be ready.
Do I need to do anything for quality control?
No. Quality control is done by the laboratory itself. Your part is to follow the preparation the lab or your doctor gives you, such as fasting for some tests, and to check your name on the sample label.
Who explains my report?
Your treating doctor. The doctor reads the report together with your symptoms and examination. Please do not start or stop any medicine based on the report alone.
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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.