To ensure laboratory equipment is functioning properly, what action should you take?

• A. Run controls
• B. Calibrate daily
• C. Replace parts
• D. Ignore if it seems to work

Answer: (A)

Running controls is the best action because controls are samples with known outcomes that test the entire measurement process, including the instrument, reagents, and procedures. They reveal whether the equipment is producing accurate and precise results and help detect drift or faults before you report data. If a control fails, you pause testing and troubleshoot to fix the issue, ensuring any results you generate are trustworthy. While calibration can be part of routine maintenance, it doesn’t by itself verify performance in every run. Replacing parts isn’t a routine check, and proceeding when a control is off risks producing unreliable results. Do not ignore controls—they protect accuracy and safety.