What is the primary purpose of functional quality control checks on laboratory plates?

The primary purpose of functional quality control checks on laboratory plates is to assess the performance of media. This involves evaluating whether the culture media used in the laboratory is functioning as intended, which means determining its ability to support the growth of microorganisms or other biological samples under specified conditions.

Conducting quality control checks ensures that the media is not contaminated, that it maintains proper pH levels, and that it contains the necessary nutrients for the target organisms. This measure of performance is essential for reliable laboratory results, as any failure in the media can lead to incorrect interpretations of test results, ultimately impacting patient care.

The focus on media performance is critical because it directly affects the accuracy and reliability of microbiological assays performed in the laboratory.