Recruiter's Glossary

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QC/QA

Term from Laboratory Testing industry explained for recruiters

QC/QA (Quality Control/Quality Assurance) is a vital role in laboratory and manufacturing settings that focuses on making sure products and test results meet required standards. QC typically involves hands-on testing of samples and products, while QA involves creating and maintaining procedures to prevent errors. Think of QC as checking the final product, and QA as making sure the whole process runs correctly. These roles are essential in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, manufacturing, and medical laboratories, where accuracy and consistency are crucial.

Examples in Resumes

Performed daily QC testing on pharmaceutical samples using established protocols

Led Quality Assurance team in implementing new documentation procedures

Managed QA/QC operations for food safety testing laboratory

Created and maintained Quality Control documentation for ISO certification

Typical job title: "Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Quality Control Specialist Quality Assurance Technician QC Analyst QA Manager Laboratory Quality Specialist Quality Control Technician Quality Systems Specialist

Where to Find Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where test results repeatedly fall outside acceptable ranges?

Expected Answer: A senior QC/QA professional should discuss systematic problem-solving approaches, including investigation of equipment calibration, review of testing procedures, staff training assessment, and implementation of corrective actions. They should also mention documentation and regulatory reporting requirements.

Q: Describe your experience with quality management systems and regulatory audits.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience managing quality systems, preparing for and handling regulatory inspections, creating improvement plans, and training staff on quality procedures. Should mention experience with specific regulations like FDA, ISO, or cGMP.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure proper documentation of test results?

Expected Answer: Should explain importance of detailed record-keeping, proper data entry, review processes, and maintaining chain of custody. Should mention experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Q: What steps do you take when you receive an out-of-specification result?

Expected Answer: Should describe the process of result verification, investigation steps, documentation requirements, and communication with supervisors and clients. Should emphasize importance of following established procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between Quality Control and Quality Assurance?

Expected Answer: Should explain that Quality Control involves testing and checking products/samples, while Quality Assurance focuses on preventing errors through proper procedures and systems.

Q: How do you maintain sample integrity in the laboratory?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper sample handling, storage conditions, labeling procedures, and contamination prevention. Should mention importance of following standard operating procedures.