Quality assurance for veterinary in-clinic laboratories

Abstract

• Quality assurance and the implementation of a quality management system are as important for veterinary in-clinic laboratories as for reference laboratories. • Elements of a quality management system include the formulation of a quality plan, establishment of quality goals, a health and safety policy, trained personnel, appropriate and well-maintained facilities and equipment, standard operating procedures, and participation in external quality assurance programs. • Quality assurance principles should be applied to preanaltyic, analytic, and postanalytic phases of the in-clinic laboratory cycle to ensure that results are accurate and reliable and are released in a timely manner.