Which statement best describes the goal of a quality assurance program?

• A. They aim to ensure that all experimental results are published
• B. They ensure that a program meets specified requirements
• C. They ensure all experiments follow scientific standards
• D. They ensure animals are never ill

Answer: (B)

Quality assurance focuses on making sure the way things are done meets defined requirements and standards. A QA program puts in place procedures, audits, and documentation to verify that activities align with those established criteria and to catch and fix gaps before problems arise. In the lab setting, this means checking how animals are cared for, how data is collected, and how procedures are carried out to ensure consistency, reliability, and regulatory compliance. It’s about preventing defects by enforcing requirements, not about publishing results, guaranteeing perfect adherence to all scientific norms, or assuming animals can never become ill.