Which of the following is a recommended procedure to detect departures from laboratory procedures?

• A. Random checks of samples
• B. Second level review of laboratory data
• C. Only relying on initial QC data
• D. Ignoring deviations

Answer: (B)

Independent verification by a second reviewer is essential to catch departures from lab procedures. A second-level review involves another qualified person re-checking the data, calculations, instrument outputs, and QC documentation to ensure that procedures were followed and that results are accurate. This extra layer helps identify slips, miscalculations, or improper data handling that the initial reviewer might miss, and it also confirms that QC trends and SOPs were applied correctly.

Why this approach fits best: it provides objectivity, reduces the risk of undetected errors, and supports reliable results and regulatory compliance. Relying only on random checks, initial QC data, or ignoring deviations leaves gaps—random checks may miss issues, initial QC data might not reveal later problems, and ignoring deviations is unsafe and noncompliant.