What does the EPA define as an integrated system involving planning, quality control, and quality assessment?

The term defined by the EPA as an integrated system that involves planning, quality control, and quality assessment is quality assurance (QA). This concept encompasses a systematic approach to ensure that the processes in place meet predetermined quality standards and effectively achieve desired outcomes.

Quality assurance incorporates several key elements: it not only focuses on establishing procedures and protocols designed to maintain high standards throughout the measurement process, but also emphasizes continual monitoring and assessment of these processes. This holistic approach ensures that any potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly, ultimately contributing to the reliability and validity of data collected in radon measurement.

While "quality control" refers to the specific techniques and activities used to fulfill quality requirements, it does not encompass the broader planning and assessment components that quality assurance does. Quality management (QM) typically refers to the overall function of managing quality across an organization, which includes both quality assurance and quality control as part of its framework. The term "QA Assurance" is redundant because QA itself inherently includes elements of assurance, making this reference unnecessary. Thus, quality assurance is the correct answer as it aligns directly with the EPA's definition of an integrated system involving comprehensive planning, control, and assessment activities.