Helping biomedical science students apply quality assurance in practice
Smart Worksheets
Mia Thorne
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July 28, 2026
Throughout sample collection, processing, diagnostic tests, validation and reporting, quality management systems are integral in ensuring that laboratory results are reliable, reproducible, and ultimately support the patient.
Unlike many scientific concepts, quality assurance is not confined to a single clinical discipline or laboratory technique. Instead, it underpins every stage of the diagnostic pathway. Students may learn about experimental controls and internal quality control through practical classes, but the application of accreditation standards, validation procedures and regulatory compliance within pathology laboratories are harder to replicate.
This presents an important challenge for educators. Developing a detailed understanding of quality management requires more than familiarity with terminology or regulatory frameworks. Students must learn how to recognise potential sources of error, interpret quality control data, and understand how laboratory procedures and processes work together to safeguard patient care.
“Critical thinking and situational judgement are essential skills for biomedical scientists. By embedding quality assurance themes throughout core teaching rather than presenting them as a discrete topic, students are encouraged to evaluate data habitually through a critical lens—questioning validity, identifying sources of error, and developing an applied understanding of analytical and clinical variables.”
Ian Davies MBE, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science Practice, University of Staffordshire
Building confidence through safe practice
One of the challenges of teaching QC and its interpretation is that the consequences of mistakes can be difficult to demonstrate authentically within traditional teaching environments.
In professional laboratories, quality management systems exist precisely because errors have real consequences: incorrect sample collection, analytical error, or IQC and QA can all significantly impact patient outcomes. Students therefore need opportunities to develop QC interpretation skills before entering placement settings or professional practice.
Active learning approaches allow students to explore quality-related scenarios in a safe, low risk and supportive environment. Through repeated practice, learners can identify mistakes, test and apply their understanding, and develop confidence in their decision making without the pressures associated with real world consequences.
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“From my experience, students develop a much deeper understanding of quality assurance and quality control when they are required to apply concepts to realistic situations rather than reading from a book. In practice, professionals are constantly interpreting information, recognising errors and making decisions based on evidence. Creating opportunities for students to engage with authentic scenarios helps them develop these essential skills and prepares them more effectively for the realities of professional practice.”
Sheri Scott, Principal Lecturer and Biomedical Science Subject Lead, Nottingham Trent University and IBMS Council Member
Bringing quality assurance into authentic laboratory contexts
The Smart Worksheet Library has been developed to support the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Benchmark Statements for Biomedical Science, including quality control, quality assurance, accreditation, validation, and laboratory quality management.
The new worksheet explores the impact of pre-analytical variables, the importance of quality management systems, and the role of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidance in maintaining laboratory quality. Students are introduced to key aspects of laboratory practice including phlebotomy, order of draw, sample reception, accreditation, and further procedures designed to minimise error throughout the diagnostic pathway.
Rather than positioning quality assurance, control and management as a set of standards to remember, the worksheet encourages students to apply these principles. Through interactive activities and randomised datasets, learners investigate how errors arise, how they can be identified and addressed, then how quality systems help prevent them from reaching patients.
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Developing judgement through repeated practice
Many decisions involving quality control rely on interpretation rather than recall. Biomedical scientists must be able to reliably interpret, analyse and evaluate data and identify when quality control results indicate a potential problem. Only then can they determine whether results are accurate and valid to use, or if further investigation is required.
Across other Smart Worksheets covering biochemistry, systemic lupus erythematosus, and haemostasis, students are given repeated opportunities to apply the Westgard rules using randomised datasets in both specialist and non-specialist scenarios.This allows them to encounter a range of internal quality control violations and practise interpretation within relevant biomedical science contexts.
The ability to revisit activities and work a range of different datasets supports the development of professional judgement. Students can inform decisions, learn from mistakes and develop their quality skills through repeated exposure to realistic scenarios.
Preparing students for a changing laboratory landscape
Modern diagnostic laboratories operate within increasingly complex environments, balancing technological advances, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and ongoing pressures to deliver efficient healthcare services.
As laboratory technologies evolve, the need for scientists who can critically evaluate data and maintain quality standards remains constant. Developing these skills during higher education is therefore becoming increasingly important.
By providing opportunities to engage with authentic quality assurance and internal quality control scenarios in a safe learning environment, Smart Worksheets help students move beyond theoretical knowledge and begin developing the practical judgement expected within contemporary biomedical science practice.
Whether used within IBMS-accredited programmes, laboratory skills teaching, formative assessment or independent study, these resources support students in building the confidence required to recognise errors, interpret quality control data and understand how quality assurance processes contribute to safe and reliable patient results.
Explore quality assurance learning with LearnSci
Discover how LearnSci’s interactive Smart Worksheets provide students with a safe environment to practise identifying errors, interpreting quality control data, and applying quality assurance principles before entering professional practice. Explore our Smart Worksheets for biomedical science, or book a personalised demonstration to learn how Smart Worksheets can enhance skill development in your curriculum.
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