The Role of Standards and Training in Preparing for Accreditation

Laboratory test results are the cornerstone for patient diagnosis and treatment, and the principles of high-quality laboratory testing are the same anywhere in the world. It is one area of health care that can and should be standardized. Resource-limited countries' laboratories lack equipment,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of clinical pathology 2010-09, Vol.134 (3), p.388-392
Main Authors: WOODCOCK, Sheila, FINE, Glen, MCCLURE, Karen, UNGER, Barbara, RIZZO-PRICE, Patti
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accreditation
Africa South of the Sahara
Biological and medical sciences
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Clinical Laboratory Techniques - standards
Developing Countries
International Cooperation
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Laboratories - organization & administration
Laboratories - standards
Medical Laboratory Personnel - education
Medical sciences
Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques
Quality Assurance, Health Care
Quality Control
United States
World Health Organization
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Summary:Laboratory test results are the cornerstone for patient diagnosis and treatment, and the principles of high-quality laboratory testing are the same anywhere in the world. It is one area of health care that can and should be standardized. Resource-limited countries' laboratories lack equipment, proper funding, adequate training for laboratory workers, and systematic management of work, making it difficult to deliver accurate and reliable results. Quality management tools are being used to improve practices, with accreditation being a means to demonstrate that standards are being met. The World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute have assumed responsibility for leading a harmonized approach to the provision of education and training in laboratories by publishing a training tool kit. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is leading a new stepwise approach to accreditation.
ISSN:0002-9173
1943-7722
DOI:10.1309/AJCP03TFPBKEYYNT