Wayne, Pa — The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Insttitute (CLSI) has announced the publication of the "Development and Use of Quality Indicators for Process Improvement and Monitoring of Laboratory Quality; Approved Guideline," which provides guidance on development of quality indicators and their use in the medical laboratory.

These indicators include measures developed in a single laboratory for local use and indicators developed by other organizations and national bodies. The document includes criteria for development of quantitative, ordinal, and qualitative indicators; it also includes procedures for gathering data, presenting and interpreting results, monitoring performance over time, and comparing performance with other laboratories or national norms.

Michael A. Noble, MD, FRCP(C), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada and chairholder of the subcommittee that developed the document commented, "Laboratorians and managers have long understood the necessity for quality indicators, but have rarely had access to the tools to help them establish them in order to monitor for measureable and sustainable improvements of their quality programs. GP35-A provides the helpful guidance that will result in better, more effective use of quality indicators."

The goal of this document is to highlight an effective approach to selection, development, interpretation, and application of information derived from well-designed quality indicators for use by laboratory directors, managers, supervisors, and the quality manager. This guidance can assist organizations to improve their quality management systems in order to reduce medical errors.

SOURCE: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Insttitute