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Quality assurance in medical microbiology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

J. J. S. Snell  and
Rosalinde Hurley
J. J. S. Snell
Affiliation:
Quality Assurance Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale
Rosalinde Hurley
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School's Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital
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Synopsis

National External Quality Assessment Schemes (NEQAS) in Microbiology have been established and operative in the United Kingdom for over 20 years. The essential components of such schemes with an account of the supporting expert advisory structures are described. Participation is voluntary and the primary aim is educational and designed to elevate standards of diagnostic practice generally through comparisons of performance within peer groups. The effect of such schemes on microbiological diagnostic performance is discussed.

The need for harmonisation within the European Community is addressed, together with an account of preliminary work relating to formulation of Directives in the field of medical devices.

The process of accreditation of diagnostic pathology laboratories through CPA (UK) Ltd. is briefly described.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 101: Quality Assurance in Medical Care , 1993 , pp. 311 - 320
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1993

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