Quality assurance is a process that laboratories use to ensure the accuracy and proficiency in their testing methods. It involves continuous cycles of control, testing and improvement. This is achieved through written processes (Standard Operating Procedures), rigorous documentation, monitoring and evaluating where errors may be mitigated. When a laboratory has all this in place it can then be reviewed by an independent auditor, who may identify areas for improvement.
Laboratories that have demonstrated they adhere to good quality assurance can be accredited with ISO 15189 (Medical Laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management System).