Evaluation of Implementing Quality Management System and Accreditation Standards in Medical Laboratory for Quality of Services

Background and Objectives: Implementing quality management system (QMS) in medical laboratories improves quality of procedures and enhances the staff’s skill development. It prevents frequent inaccuracies in both clinical and laboratory procedures caused by lack of regulatory compliance, safety precautions and inadequate facilities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate effect of implementing QMS based on essential standards NABH (MLP) and NABL (ISO 15189:2012) in a medical laboratory on quality of services. Methods: Important quality indicators such as external quality assurance services (EQAS), rework, turnaround time (TAT) and feedback were monitored for four months, following implementing the QMS standards in a medical laboratory. Results: We found that implementation of the QMS program improved the tested indicators of quality. Overall percentage of rework reduced significantly. Conclusion: Implementation of QMS improves overall quality of laboratory procedures. It significantly reduces laboratory errors and progressively improves quality, efficiency, and outcomes, thus enabling delivery of timely and accurate services for patients.