Progressing towards laboratory accreditation in developing countries

Laboratory testing is of great value in the diagnosis and management of diseases. Good quality of results is essential if test results are to be meaningful. Uniformly high standards of laboratory practice are required to ensure that physicians may consistently rely on test results. Accreditation provides a way whereby a laboratory may meet international standards and provide assurance to a hospital's administration, medical and laboratory staff and patients that the laboratory is providing high quality results. In the absence of a national accreditation program, laboratories should undertake the low-cost or no cost actions that are elements of all accreditation programs. National societies concerned with the field of laboratory medicine or clinical pathology should work together with the appropriate government agencies to establish aNational Accrediting Body. Institution of an accrediting program will raise the visibility of clinical laboratory testing and ensure enhanced quality of testing for the entire population,