What term describes the application of methods to ensure test results are reliable and valid?

• A. Quality Assurance
• B. Quality Control
• C. Quality Management
• D. Quality Improvement

Answer: (B)

Quality control is the systematic use of testing and measurement methods to verify that test results are consistent and accurate. It focuses on the practical steps that ensure reliability and validity of measurements, such as calibrating equipment, running control samples, following standard operating procedures, and tracking performance with control charts. By keeping results within predefined acceptable ranges, quality control detects errors early and prevents unreliable data from being reported. While quality assurance deals with broader process planning to prevent defects, quality management covers the overall framework for quality, and quality improvement targets ongoing process enhancements. For example, routinely testing a control sample to confirm an instrument’s readings stay within acceptable limits demonstrates quality control in action.