What is one key function of quality control in laboratory testing?

The key function of quality control in laboratory testing is to verify the accuracy of test results. Quality control involves a systematic process that ensures the reliability and validity of the tests performed in a laboratory. This includes regular calibration of equipment, validation of test methods, and the use of control samples to monitor analytical performance.

By implementing quality control measures, laboratories can detect and correct errors that could lead to inaccurate results, thereby ensuring that patient testing is precise and trustworthy. This is crucial in a healthcare setting where diagnostic accuracy directly impacts patient care and treatment decisions.

Other options address different aspects of laboratory operations but do not represent the primary role of quality control. While cost-effectiveness, calibration, and reporting processes are important, they do not focus on ensuring the integrity and reliability of the test results themselves, which is the core goal of quality control measures.