The minimum interval for CLIA '88 laboratory inspections is ___ years.

• A. 2 years
• B. 1 year
• C. 3 years
• D. 4 years

Answer: (A)

Regular oversight by CLIA ensures ongoing compliance with laboratory quality and safety standards. Inspections occur at least every two years, which is the minimum interval for CLIA '88 laboratory inspections. This schedule helps verify that personnel qualifications, proficiency testing, quality control, equipment maintenance, and record-keeping meet requirements and remain current. Some labs may be inspected more often if deficiencies are found or if they are subject to accreditation surveys, but the baseline expectation is every two years. The other intervals would either be more frequent than required or leave too long a gap between inspections.