The goal of every analytical laboratory and of every analyst is to produce highly precise and accurate analyses in a timely and cost effective manner. Quality assurance must be an intregal part of any laboratory's standard operating procedures to insure the precision and accuracy of analyses. Interlaboratory quality assurance is important. The primary purpose of the quality control group is to keep individuals or groups out of trouble through its inspection and auditing roles. This process involves the monitoring of systems and procedures, evaluating whether or not written procedures are being followed and establishing the validity of generated data and areas of concern. A good quality control/quality assurance program will minimize the occurrences that may lead to an embarrassing situation and will keep the causes of embarrassment to a least critical level. Problems will be found and corrected before they get completely out of control and jeopardize the reputation or livelihood of a product, institution or individual. It can be more expensive in the long run not to have a good quality control program than it costs to have one, even if the program requires 20 to 30 percent of available time and resources. Additionally, there can be indirect costs associated with an inadequate quality control program, such as the loss of respect, reputation or trust in the analyst or lab; the loss of self confidence on the part of individual analysts; heightened apprehension and tension from being under increased pressure to produce more accurate analyses; unnecessary rechecks; and increased maintenance costs from repairs which could have been detected early through an adequate quality control program.