Medical laboratory accreditation standards in New Zealand

Abstract

Since 1979, when accrediting medical laboratories, TELARC has specified Criteria for the Statutory Registration of Medical Testing Laboratories in New Zealand. Recently, TELARC's Medical Testing Registration Advisory Committee (MTRAC) reviewed relevant documentation published by the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Committee (NPAAC) of Australia, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in the USA, as well as, TELARCs Code of Laboratory Management Practice. Following this review the MTRAC has published Medical Laboratory Accreditation Standards. These Standards are designed to be used by laboratory staff and TELARC assessment teams when performing internal and external laboratory audits so as to achieve and maintain accreditation in New Zealand. The MTRAC has produced the Standards as a series of statements followed by questions which address various issues concerning that Standard. Laboratory staff and assessors using such documentation can objectively demonstrate and audit the achievement of accreditation standards. Furthermore, should any area require improvement it can be quickly and objectively identified and reported. Thereby facilitating the process of laboratory assessment preparation and performance. Since 1979, when accrediting medical laboratories, TELARC has specified Criteria for the Statutory Registration of Medical Testing Laboratories in New Zealand. Recently, TELARC's Medical Testing Registration Advisory Committee (MTRAC) reviewed relevant documentation published by the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Committee (NPAAC) of Australia, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in the USA, as well as, TELARCs Code of Laboratory Management Practice. Following this review the MTRAC has published Medical Laboratory Accreditation Standards. These Standards are designed to be used by laboratory staff and TELARC assessment teams when performing internal and external laboratory audits so as to achieve and maintain accreditation in New Zealand. The MTRAC has produced the Standards as a series of statements followed by questions which address various issues concerning that Standard. Laboratory staff and assessors using such documentation can objectively demonstrate and audit the achievement of accreditation standards. Furthermore, should any area require improvement it can be quickly and objectively identified and reported. Thereby facilitating the process of laboratory assessment preparation and performance.