What action may be appropriate if there is a quality control failure?

In the context of quality control in Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), a quality control failure indicates that the test results may not be reliable. The appropriate response to a quality control failure would involve a combination of actions aimed at ensuring the validity of the testing process and maintaining patient safety.

Documenting the error is critical because it allows for tracking and analyzing the nature of the failure, which can help in identifying recurring issues. Notifying the manufacturer is also essential as they may need to provide insights, troubleshooting steps, or may require the return of defective materials. Additionally, retesting the sample is necessary to verify if the initial results can be confirmed or corrected based on the quality control findings.

Thus, taking all these actions—documenting the error, notifying the manufacturer, and retesting the sample—collectively addresses the quality control failure comprehensively, ensuring that all potential issues are addressed and that future testing can proceed with confidence. Each aspect is integral to a robust quality control protocol, making the choice that encompasses all of these actions the most appropriate response.