The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP): A Review

Accreditation is the official process of recognising an establishment as having the status and the qualifications to perform a particular activity. It gives you an independent assurance that your business is capable of delivering outstanding patient care. It also ensures that your standards for quality are maintained and will continue to improve regardless of changes in personnel.

Consolidating the Evolving European Medical Laboratory Market

According to recent reports, the European medical laboratory market is expected to reach U.S. $15.5 billion by 2024 and the laboratory market industry is projected to show annual growth rates averaging approximately two per cent for laboratory services up to 2020. This assessment is based on analyses for countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway and Portugal, which show that the European laboratory market trends display a constant growth.

Point of Care Tests in Microbiology: A Clinical Microbiologist’s Perspective

Point of Care Tests (POCT) refers to rapid diagnostic tests performed at or near the consultation of patients to make early decisions about patient management; but this definition continues to evolve. These tests are typically easy to perform and interpret by trained users. POCTs are widely used in the provision of healthcare services in a variety of settings such as general practitioner clinics, hospital clinics and wards, emergency departments, pharmacies etc. Nowadays, some tests can even be performed in the comfort of a patient’s own home.

Genetic Counseling: Empowering patients and providers through information and support

Genetic disorders are found in all medical specialties and can affect all patients; young and old, male and female, those unaware of underlying illnesses and those diagnosed with life-limiting conditions. Technological advancements now facilitate our ability to detect a genetic variation with accuracy and at a reduced cost. For this reason, there is an increased need for genetic couseling services as part of patient-focused programs in all healthcare facilities