The need for technical controls as an integral part in the management of medical diagnostic laboratories

ABSTRACT

For the first time a study was conducted to find out if there is actually a need to employ technical controls as an integral part in the management of diagnostic laboratories. The study involved biochemical, serological, parasitological and bacteriological units. While reproducibility was looked into in biochemical units, accuracy was studied in the other units. While it is presumed that internal controls exist in the units, the study brought out that they are not sensitive enough to detect changes which need appropriate remedial measures. It brought out variability of performance among workers and among laboratories. It showed also that an interlaboratory control can serve as an intralaboratory control. The acceptance of the need for controls will depend much on the inherent personal attitudes of the worker, the supervisor and the head of the laboratory. The proper attitude is necessary for its acceptance and implementation. Management of our diagnostic laboratories cannot be any different from management of a private firm where in the latter the manager controls the work for which he is accountable. (Summary)