Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Laboratory Safety
Core concepts
Quality control (QC) monitors individual measurements and processes; quality assurance (QA) is the broader system ensuring consistent quality. Know the difference between internal and external QC, proficiency testing, and the role of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Monitoring and safety
Track key performance indicators such as fertilization, cleavage, and blastulation rates, plus equipment logs (incubators, tanks, alarms). Safety includes chemical handling, cryogenic hazard management, sharps, and biological specimen precautions. Document deviations and corrective actions.
Traps
- Confusing QC (measurement) with QA (system).
- Assuming a single good result confirms quality; trends matter.
- Overlooking alarm testing and backup systems for incubators and cryostorage.
- Forgetting that corrective actions must be documented.
Worked example
If fertilization rates drop across multiple patients, that is a system-level signal. Review media lots, incubator parameters, and handling practices before attributing it to individual gamete quality.