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Licensed Unlicensed Requires Authentication Published by De Gruyter May 29, 2006

ISO 15189:2003 – Quality management, evaluation and continual improvement

  • David Burnett

Abstract

The requirements of ISO 15189:2003 are discussed in the context of a process- and outcome-based quality management model in which the user's needs are the central focus. The requirements of ISO 15189:2003 are examined in terms of organisation and a quality management system, stressing the importance of evidence, document control, and control of records and clinical material. Examples are provided from the areas of resource management, and pre-examination, examination and post-examination processes. In the final section the importance of evaluation and continual improvement is presented in relation to internal audit and external assessment, non-conformity, corrective and preventative action and management review.


Corresponding author: David Burnett, Consultant in Quality and Accreditation Systems, Lindens Lodge, Bradford Place, Penarth CF64 1LA, UK

References

1. ISO 15189:2003. Medical laboratories − particular requirements for quality and competence.Search in Google Scholar

2. ISO/IEC 17025:1999. General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.Search in Google Scholar

3. ISO 9001:2000. Quality management systems − requirements.Search in Google Scholar

4. Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK). Standards for the Medical Laboratory (www.cpa-uk.co-uk).Search in Google Scholar

5. Burnett D. A practical guide to accreditation in laboratory medicine. London: ACB Venture Publications, 2002 (www.acb.org.uk).Search in Google Scholar

6. Burnett D, Plebani M. Guida pratica all'accredimento dei laboratori clinici, 2003. (www.biomedia.net) [translation of ref. (5)].Search in Google Scholar

7. Burnett D. Una guía práctica para la accreditación del laboratorio clínico, 2005. Translation directed by Ramon F, Salas Á (www.seqc.es) [translation of ref. (5)].Search in Google Scholar

Published Online: 2006-5-29
Published in Print: 2006-6-1

©2006 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York

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