What action is recommended if quality control (QC) fails during instrument testing?

When quality control (QC) fails during instrument testing, the recommended action is to sequester the results and retest after resolving the issue. This approach ensures that any potential inaccuracies or anomalies in the testing process are properly addressed before reporting any patient results. By sequestering the results, the laboratory can prevent the release of potentially erroneous data, which is crucial for maintaining patient safety and the integrity of laboratory practices.

Sequestering results allows time for the laboratory professionals to investigate the cause of the QC failure, whether it pertains to instrument calibration, reagent quality, or procedural errors. Once the issue is resolved, retesting ensures that the reliability of the test results can be confirmed before they are reported. This step is essential in adhering to quality standards and ensuring that all laboratory findings are trustworthy.

In contrast, continuing with testing regardless of QC failure or reporting results as accurate without addressing the issue would compromise patient care and could lead to significant clinical implications. Notifying the lab supervisor is an important part of responding to QC failures but primarily serves as a preliminary step in the overall QC troubleshooting process rather than a direct action on handling the results. Therefore, the most comprehensive and safe approach to manage QC failures is to sequester results and retest after resolving the