Why is data integrity (ALCOA+) critical in QC reporting?

• A. It enhances speed of reporting.
• B. It ensures data are attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, complete, consistent, enduring, and available for audit.
• C. It reduces need for audits.
• D. It ensures samples are handled properly.

Answer: (B)

Data integrity in QC reporting means the data behind every result can be trusted from collection through review and storage. ALCOA+ turns that idea into a practical checklist. Attributable ensures you can identify who performed or recorded the data, which is crucial if questions arise. Legible means the record is readable and unambiguous. Contemporaneous keeps the entry made at the time of observation, preserving context. Original means the data reflect the initial source or entry, not a later reinterpretation. Accurate ensures the data correctly represent what happened. Complete means all required information is present. Consistent applies standardized formats and units so data can be compared reliably. Enduring ensures data are preserved over the required retention period. Available for audit guarantees there is an accessible trail to verify data during inspections.

In QC reporting, these attributes protect against errors and manipulation, support investigations and regulatory review, and enable reliable, reproducible decisions. The other options miss the core purpose, which is ensuring data trustworthiness and traceability.