Internal and External Quality Control

Control Testing Order

Here are some guidelines for the order in which control sample testing should occur:

  • Controls and calibration materials should not come from the same lot number.
  • Controls should not routinely follow calibration material.
  • Random placement of controls among patient specimens is preferred.
  • Random placement of duplicate patient specimens, rather than consecutive, monitors reliability within the batch.

Test your clinical laboratory knowledge! Play the FREE LabCE.com Quiz Game.

Introduction to Quality Control course details »

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for ASCP, AMT, NCA, and state renewal and recertification requirements »

Get information on laboratory safety and compliance courses for clinical and medical laboratories »