CLIA established quality standards for all laboratories testing to ensure the ______ of patient test results no matter where the test was performed.

• A. Timeliness & accuracy
• B. Accuracy & reliability
• C. Timeliness & reliability
• D. Accuracy, reliability & timeliness

Answer: (D)

Quality standards focus on three interrelated traits of test results: accuracy, reliability, and timeliness. Accuracy means the result truly reflects the patient’s condition. Reliability means the result is consistent across repeated tests and different laboratories or instruments. Timeliness means results are delivered promptly so clinicians can make informed decisions without delay. CLIA sets universal quality standards to ensure that, regardless of where the test is performed, results are accurate, reliable, and timely. Only the option that includes all three elements captures the full goal of these standards. Omitting any one of them would weaken the trustworthiness and usefulness of the patient test results.