What is the primary function of a Quality Control (QC) laboratory?

The primary function of a Quality Control (QC) laboratory is to test samples to ensure they meet quality standards. QC is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, as it involves evaluating the quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs throughout the manufacturing process. This includes rigorous testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to confirm that they meet predetermined specifications and regulatory requirements. A robust QC process ensures that medications are safe for consumer use and that they maintain their intended therapeutic effects.

When considering the other options, manufacturing drugs and designing new drugs are functions typically associated with production and research and development, respectively, but do not fall under the QC laboratory's primary role. Similarly, overseeing marketing strategies relates more to business operations rather than the scientific and regulatory focus of quality control. Hence, the emphasis on testing samples to verify quality standards encapsulates the essence of what QC laboratories are established to accomplish.