The QC sample allows the analyst to confirm the overall quality of the batch run. If the result from the QC sample is as specified, the inference is that the whole batch was correctly processed. QC samples include a range of negative (or blank) samples as well as positive ones.

Certified reference materials are the most rigorous example of a QC sample. Their composition is certified to a national standard reference material. Such samples are an important part of validation and confirmation of performance of methods.

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