Definition of quality control and quality assurance

[markusfiebig]

Proposed definition:

• quality assurance : Ensuring that instruments are operated according to a defined standard operating procedure before taking the measurement. This includes writing the standard operating procedure document, and also includes a specification of data treatment after measurement. The standard operating procedure needs to be stated separately, preferably in a PID-identified document. Standard methods for quality assurance include station audits and off-site instrument intercomparisons.
• quality control : Measures taken to ensure that data are produced according to a previously defined standard operating procedure. Typically includes data quality checks and on-site instrument calibrations / function tests.

[lisemurberg]

This includes writing the standard operating procedure document, and also includes a specification of data treatment after measurement.

Often the quality assurance is to follow a document that is already written, not to write it each time? For me the current definition sounds like you have to write a new document for each instrument/facility.

Otherwise OK for me.