Document Control System: Which statement describes it?

• A. A schedule for instrument calibration
• B. A data backup policy
• C. A written procedure for the control and maintenance of all laboratory documents
• D. An incident reporting form

Answer: (C)

Document control systems ensure that every laboratory document—SOPs, methods, forms—is created, reviewed, approved, revised, distributed, and archived in a controlled way. The statement describing a written procedure for the control and maintenance of all laboratory documents is the best choice because it explicitly defines the formal process that governs how documents are created, identified, versioned, approved, stored, and retired, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance. It also outlines responsibilities, formats, access, and retention, which are essential for keeping lab information consistent and reliable. The other items describe related activities rather than the overall system: a schedule for instrument calibration concerns equipment management; a data backup policy deals with IT and data integrity; an incident reporting form is a tool used within quality systems but does not define how documents are controlled.