A method and apparatus for providing quality control in a medical analysis
instrument is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) sending one
or more quality control specimens to an operator of the analytical
instrument; 2) directly or indirectly communicating control data to the
analytical instrument, wherein the control data relates acceptable
standards to the analytical instrument; 3) analyzing the quality control
specimen using the analytical instrument and thereby creating instrument
analysis data; 4) evaluating the instrument analysis data using the
control data to determine a functional status of the analytical
instrument; 5) providing notice to the operator regarding the functional
status of the analytical instrument; and 6) optionally preventing the
reporting of patient data from the instrument if the functional status is
unacceptable.
