What is the term for a series of analytical measurements used to assess the quality of the analytical data?

• A. Quality Assurance
• B. Quality Control
• C. Analytical run
• D. Fortification

Answer: (B)

Quality Control focuses on the checks and measurements used to evaluate the reliability of analytical data. In practice, it means running control samples, blanks, and calibration checks within an analytical sequence to monitor precision, accuracy, and the instrument’s performance. By comparing these control measurements to established criteria, you can detect issues such as drift, contamination, or bias and take corrective action before reporting results. This targeted set of measurements is what ensures the data you generate are trustworthy, which is why it is described as quality control.

Quality Assurance, while related, refers to the broader system and procedures designed to prevent problems throughout method development, validation, and operation. An analytical run is the actual sequence of analyses performed, not specifically a data-quality checking series. Fortification involves adding a known amount of analyte to samples to test recovery, which is about method accuracy rather than ongoing data quality monitoring.