Course in Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratory Testing

The accuracy and reliability of medical laboratory testing represent a fundamental cornerstone of modern healthcare, as physicians and healthcare professionals heavily depend on laboratory results to make accurate diagnoses and determine appropriate treatment plans. With the rapid advancement of diagnostic technologies and the continuous introduction of sophisticated analytical tools, the importance of implementing robust quality control and quality assurance systems has become increasingly critical. Inaccurate or inconsistent test results can lead to misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and serious risks to patient safety. For this reason, Geneva Institute of Business Administration is offering this specialized training program titled “Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratory Testing”, designed to provide laboratory professionals with comprehensive knowledge, international standards, and practical methodologies required to ensure laboratory accuracy, credibility, and compliance with global best practices.

Target Audience

• Medical laboratory specialists working in hospitals and healthcare centers who are seeking to enhance their competencies in the field of laboratory quality management and result validation.

• Quality managers in medical laboratories who are responsible for establishing, supervising, and maintaining quality systems in line with international accreditation requirements.

• Laboratory technicians and support staff who operate directly with samples and instruments and require stronger understanding of internal quality control procedures.

• Laboratory directors and administrators who make strategic decisions regarding the implementation of laboratory accreditation and long-term quality improvement.

• Researchers and academics in the field of laboratory sciences who are interested in keeping pace with the latest developments in quality assurance systems and reliable diagnostic practices.

Objectives

• Introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of quality control and quality assurance in medical laboratories and highlight their direct impact on diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

• Familiarize participants with international quality standards such as ISO 15189 and CAP requirements, and demonstrate how these can be effectively applied in laboratory practice.

• Provide participants with the skills to identify, evaluate, and minimize sources of error in laboratory testing through systematic approaches and preventive strategies.

• Develop participants’ ability to implement both internal and external quality control systems, interpret monitoring results, and use them for continuous performance improvement.

• Strengthen institutional capacity to design and maintain comprehensive quality systems that ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and build long-term trust in laboratory results.

Course Outline 

• General Concept of Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratories

  • Definition of quality control and its importance in laboratory work.

  • Differences between internal and external quality control.

  • The relationship between quality systems and medical accreditation.

  • The impact of quality on the accuracy of laboratory test results.

• International Standards for Laboratory Quality

  • Overview of ISO 15189 standards.

  • College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation requirements.

  • National and international accreditation frameworks.

  • Role of health regulations in quality monitoring.

• Factors Affecting the Quality of Laboratory Samples

  • Standard procedures for sample collection.

  • Proper methods of sample transportation and storage.

  • Common errors in sample handling and preparation.

  • Influence of sample quality on test reliability.

• Internal Quality Control in Laboratory Testing

  • The concept and role of internal quality control.

  • Selection and use of reference materials.

  • Application of control charts and statistical tools.

  • Interpretation of control data and corrective actions.

• External Quality Assurance and Inter-Laboratory Comparisons

  • Concept of external quality assurance programs.

  • Importance of inter-laboratory comparisons for performance improvement.

  • Procedures for participation in proficiency testing programs.

  • How to interpret and benefit from external evaluation reports.

• Risk Management in Medical Laboratories

  • Identification of potential sources of laboratory errors.

  • Techniques for assessing and minimizing laboratory risks.

  • Use of performance indicators to track and detect issues.

  • Integration of risk management into quality systems.

• Laboratory Equipment and Maintenance within Quality Systems

  • Importance of regular maintenance and calibration.

  • Procedures for performance verification of instruments.

  • Documentation of calibration and maintenance activities.

  • The link between equipment reliability and test accuracy.

• Documentation and Records Management in Laboratories

  • Role of documentation in laboratory quality systems.

  • Types of records required for quality assurance.

  • Guidelines for writing and updating standard operating procedures.

  • Documentation as a tool for error tracking and corrective action.

• Training and Capacity Building of Laboratory Personnel

  • Importance of continuous training and development.

  • Designing competency-building programs for staff.

  • Methods for periodic performance evaluation.

  • Linking training outcomes to overall quality improvement.

• Continuous Improvement in Laboratory Quality Systems

  • Concept of continuous improvement and its tools.

  • Methods for reviewing and updating quality policies.

  • The role of leadership in promoting quality culture.

  • Building an organizational culture committed to excellence.