What is important to do when performing any CLIA waived test?

Performing quality control testing with every new kit when conducting CLIA waived tests is essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results. Quality control testing verifies that the test is functioning correctly and that the components are working as intended. This practice helps to identify any issues with the testing process, such as problems with reagents or equipment malfunctions, before actual patient samples are tested.

Regular quality control testing supports the integrity of laboratory results, which is crucial for patient safety and effective medical decision-making. While other choices might suggest various approaches to handling quality control, they lack the fundamental principle of continuous verification necessary for high-quality laboratory practices. Relying on outdated methods or skipping quality control altogether can compromise the results and, ultimately, patient care.