Making great strides in medical laboratory quality

Michael Noble,Jean-Bosco Ndihokubwayo,Robert Martin

doi:10.4102/ajlm.v3i2.256

Abstract

No abstract

Highlights

Whilst the observation of blood and urine as a commentary of illness and disease can be traced back to Hippocrates as early as 300 BC, the true roots and foundations of the modern medical laboratory as a vital investigation process to better understand pathology and diagnosis were established in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.[1]
In their key study[2] they demonstrated that interlaboratory testing of identical samples resulted in considerable variability of test performance and results. This was the origin of proficiency testing as a valuable quality measure that led to the development of quality control, laboratory inspections and accreditation bodies across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia
The most significant foundational document for medical laboratory quality improvement in the modern era has been the publication of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189:2003, 2007 and 2012: Medical Laboratories – Requirements for Quality and Competence.[7]

Summary

Introduction

Whilst the observation of blood and urine as a commentary of illness and disease can be traced back to Hippocrates as early as 300 BC, the true roots and foundations of the modern medical laboratory as a vital investigation process to better understand pathology and diagnosis were established in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.[1]. This was the origin of proficiency testing as a valuable quality measure that led to the development of quality control, laboratory inspections and accreditation bodies across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Results

Conclusion