Run controls or quality controls monitor the day to day and batch to batch consistency or precision of tests. Quality assessment programmes assess the testing outcomes on a periodic basis. Batch release testing may be used to estimate consistency of performance between test batches and results may be used to accept or reject a kit batch. These methods are incorporated into the laboratory quality management system in which all procedures carried out in the course of administration and laboratory testing are documented. Efficiency, accuracy and client-laboratory relationships should improve with the development and implementation of the quality management system.
Results are only useful if all laboratory personnel are trained in their use.