What is the major purpose of using control samples in laboratory testing?

The major purpose of using control samples in laboratory testing is to ensure testing accuracy. Control samples provide a baseline against which test results can be compared. By running control samples alongside patient samples, laboratories can verify that the testing process is functioning correctly and that the results are reliable.

Control samples are designed to have known values, which allows technicians to determine whether the test results fall within an acceptable range. This helps identify any potential issues with the testing methodology, reagents, or equipment, enabling prompt corrective actions before reporting patient results. Ensuring testing accuracy is crucial in medical laboratories as it directly impacts patient diagnosis and treatment decisions.

While increasing costs, reducing laboratory staff, or saving time may be considerations in laboratory management, they do not align with the principal aim of control samples, which is fundamentally to maintain the integrity and reliability of the test results.