"Since quality controls are necessary for all studies, it's imperative that both the negative and positive control is successful. Depending on which one fails, I will troubleshoot accordingly. For example, if the positive control fails, the first thing I would check is whether or not I added the sample as human error because that is a common reason for failure. If there is a vital error in data provided from the outside, I would immediately follow up with the individuals through a phone call."

If you have a specific example to illustrate your knowledge of quality assurance as a Clinical Research Associate, share that. Be sure to clearly outline your process and steps so you aren't going back and forth in your response. Your interviewer knows this is an open-ended question and that you can't possibly know any company-specific protocols that ICON plc uses, so speak with confidence in your method.