What is the purpose of quality controls in automated urine analyzers?

• A. To verify instrument accuracy, precision, and detect drift or reagent issues.
• B. To calibrate only pH levels.
• C. To adjust color reagents.
• D. To train staff.

Answer: (A)

Quality controls ensure the automated urine analyzer is producing reliable results by verifying accuracy and precision and by catching drift or problems with reagents or the instrument. By running control materials with known values, you can confirm that the analyzer’s measurements are close to the true values (accuracy) and consistent across repeated tests (precision). Regular QC helps detect gradual changes over time (drift) or sudden failures such as deteriorating reagents, lamp or detector issues, or miscalibration, so that any patient results reported are trustworthy. If QC results fall outside established limits, you halt testing and troubleshoot before patient results are released. This is different from simply calibrating for a single parameter, adjusting reagents, or training staff, which do not by themselves verify ongoing performance across the full testing process.