The British Academy for Training and Development offers this training program in "Quality Control in Laboratories" to provide a structured and in-depth understanding of quality systems that support accuracy and credibility in laboratory environments. In an era where data integrity and analytical precision are essential across industries—from healthcare to environmental monitoring—laboratories are expected to meet demanding national and international standards.

This course equips professionals with the principles, tools, and best practices necessary to oversee and enhance quality control processes. Participants will explore the technical and administrative elements that ensure test results are reliable, traceable, and consistent. By aligning internal laboratory systems with recognized frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 17025, attendees will gain the competence to uphold high-quality outputs and maintain regulatory compliance.

Who Should Attend?

• Laboratory managers and technical supervisors.
• Quality assurance and quality control officers.
• Scientific analysts and laboratory technicians.
• Professionals seeking ISO/IEC 17025 compliance knowledge.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Apply core quality control systems tailored to laboratory operations.
• Identify and manage factors affecting accuracy and data integrity.
• Monitor laboratory performance using recognized quality indicators.
• Align laboratory practices with international standards and guidelines.
• Strengthen internal processes to prevent errors and ensure consistency.

• Role of Quality in Laboratory Operations
  • Importance of accurate test results in critical sectors.
  • Distinction between quality assurance and quality control.
  • Ethical implications of laboratory errors.
• Key Concepts in Laboratory Quality
  • Definitions and terminology used in QC systems.
  • Scope and structure of quality control activities.
  • Relationship between QC and overall lab performance.
• Historical Development of Laboratory Standards
  • Origins of laboratory quality frameworks.
  • Evolution of ISO/IEC 17025 and related guidelines.
  • Global trends in laboratory standardization.
• Internal Governance of Quality Systems
  • Role of laboratory management in QC oversight.
  • Allocation of responsibilities across departments.
  • Internal audits and performance monitoring.
• Laboratory Documentation and Records
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Maintenance of quality manuals and control logs.
  • Record-keeping practices for traceability.
• Communication and Reporting Lines
  • Effective communication of QC findings.
  • Reporting protocols for non-conformance.
  • Liaison between quality personnel and technical teams.
• Accuracy and Precision in Laboratory Testing
  • Defining accuracy and precision in practical terms.
  • Tools for measuring repeatability and reproducibility.
  • Significance of statistical variability.
• Calibration and Standardization
  • Purpose and frequency of equipment calibration.
  • Use of certified reference materials.
  • Ensuring method consistency across instruments.
• Control Samples and Blanks
  • Selection of control materials.
  • Application of blanks in testing procedures.
  • Monitoring quality through sample comparison.
• Understanding Measurement Uncertainty
  • Components contributing to uncertainty.
  • Techniques for estimation and documentation.
  • Implications for result interpretation.
• Metrological Traceability
  • Importance of traceable measurements.
  • Linking test results to international standards.
  • Chain of calibration and reference materials.
• Uncertainty in Routine Analysis
  • Managing uncertainty in daily lab work.
  • Role of staff in recognizing uncertainty sources.
  • Adjusting processes to reduce variation.
• Equipment Qualification
  • Installation Qualification (IQ).
  • Operational Qualification (OQ).
  • Performance Qualification (PQ).
• Maintenance and Verification Schedules
  • Routine servicing of lab instruments.
  • Verification protocols and checklists.
  • Impact of neglected maintenance.
• Equipment Failures and Non-Conformities
  • Identifying common points of failure.
  • Reporting and addressing equipment issues.
  • Documentation of corrective actions.
• Principles of Method Validation
  • Criteria for validating analytical methods.
  • Establishing linearity, specificity, and robustness.
  • Common validation pitfalls.
• Method Verification for In-House Use
  • Differences between validation and verification.
  • Adapting published methods for internal application.
  • Maintaining records of method performance.
• Cross-Checks and Proficiency Testing
  • Conducting internal comparisons.
  • Participation in external quality assessments.
  • Role of inter-laboratory benchmarking.
• Statistical Basics for Laboratory Staff
  • Mean, standard deviation, and variance.
  • Understanding normal distribution curves.
  • Relevance of outliers in lab data.
• Control Charts and Trend Analysis
  • Introduction to Shewhart charts.
  • Monitoring trends and shifts in data.
  • Interpreting warning signals.
• Use of Quality Indicators
  • Examples of key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Linking indicators to lab objectives.
  • Continuous tracking for process improvement.
• Purpose of Internal Audits
  • Importance of regular QC reviews.
  • Audit scheduling and preparation.
  • Reviewing lab procedures and outputs.
• Audit Checklists and Tools
  • Creating effective audit instruments.
  • Tailoring checklists to lab operations.
  • Scoring systems and audit grading.
• Handling Audit Findings
  • Classifying findings by severity.
  • Root cause analysis.
  • Implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Identifying Risks in Laboratory Operations
  • Sources of analytical and procedural risk.
  • Impact of human error and environmental factors.
  • Techniques for early detection.
• Risk Assessment Models
  • Risk matrices and scoring systems.
  • Prioritization of corrective actions.
  • Documentation and review cycles.
• Mitigating Laboratory Errors
  • Strategies for error prevention.
  • Building redundancy into QC checks.
  • Encouraging a culture of vigilance.
• Overview of ISO/IEC 17025 Requirements
  • Structure and key clauses of the standard.
  • Understanding accreditation criteria.
  • Benefits of certification for laboratories.
• Integration of Quality into Lab Culture
  • Embedding QC in daily practices.
  • Staff engagement and training.
  • Aligning individual roles with system goals.
• Regulatory and Industry Oversight
  • Role of national and international regulators.
  • Maintaining compliance during inspections.
  • Keeping up with evolving standards.