Author/Editor		Skitek, Milan
Title		Celostno zagotavljanje kakovosti in dodana vrednost v laboratorijski medicini
Translated title		Total quality management and value-added laboratory medicine
Type		monografija
Place		Ljubljana
Publisher		Klinični center, Klinični inštitut za klinično kemijo in biokemijo
Publication year		2006
Volume		str. 40
ISBN		961-6442-14-7
Language		slo
Abstract		Of all laboratory sectors, medical laboratories (especially clinical chemistry and biochemistry laboratories) all round the world have a long tradition of implementing quality assurance systems. Still some differences exist. Whereas USA laboratories are driven primarily by the national Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulatory guidelines, European laboratories are developing quality systems that more closely follow education and international standards (particularly the ISO, EN standards). In the last time these two approaches are coming nearer with particular attention to the ideas of medical competence and medical validity. Slovenia is now in European family, which represents obligation and responsibility to implement modern standards and requirements also in the essential field of patient treatment -laboratory medicine. We analyse current situation, which is not satisfying and give some proposals for improving total quality management of medical laboratories. The future role of laboratory medicine is by increasing impact of laboratory tests on clinical outcomes through adding value to tests, which can be measured. For this kind activity and challenge we need skilled and professional stuff, broad knowledge, informatics support and connected (financially supported) laboratory medicine inside and outside of the branch.
Descriptors		LABORATORIES QUALITY ASSURANCE, HEALTH CARE LABORATORY PERSONNEL DIAGNOSTIC ERRORS