Enhancing Service Quality in Medical Laboratories Through ISO 15189 Accreditation

Ayodeji Ake

Trust and quality are paramount in the realm of healthcare. Patients rely on medical laboratories for accurate and reliable test results, as the foundation of diagnosis and treatment.

This undoubtedly explains why the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NINAS) in its capacity as quality standard regulator in the country, extended its ISO 15189 standards to deserving medical laboratories in the country..The ISO 15189 accreditation stands as a beacon, guiding laboratories towards the establishment of a stringent quality management system.

ISO 15189 is an international standard that is specific for medical laboratories. It outlines the requirements for quality and competence that laboratories need to meet to ensure accurate and reliable testing, calibration and sampling processes. Accreditation against this standard indicates that a laboratory has established and is operating a quality management system and adheres to stringent requirements of the standard.

This report highlights the multifaceted benefits of ISO 15189 accreditation in enhancing patient trust and service quality within medical laboratories.

The benefits which SYNLAB has benefited since it clinched the ISO 15189 accreditation in its provision of medical laboratory services cannot be over emphasised.

With the ISO 15189 certification patients who seek diagnostic services at SYNLAB Nigeria who initially were hesitant about the accuracy of test results, are now assuaged upon learning from their referral doctor that SYNLAB Nigeria does not compromise on quality because of its ISO 15189 accreditation.

The knowledge of this accreditation has undoubtedly instilled high level of confidence in SYNLAB’s customers and reinforces the reliability and credibility of the laboratory’s services. With trust established, customers proceed with the tests, with confidence in SYNLAB Nigeria’s commitment to excellence.

ISO 15189 accreditation requires medical laboratories to adhere to a comprehensive framework for implementing quality management systems in order to ensure consistent and reliable test results. Such a guide enables organisations to access best practices and consistently implement them.

Adhering to ISO standards requirements enhances patient safety by minimising errors and ensuring accurate diagnostic outcomes. SYNLAB customers’ confidence in accepting to run tests at SYNLAB Nigeria because of its ISO accreditation hinges on their belief that they would get accurate results.

ISO accreditation elevates the global recognition of medical laboratories, facilitating collaborations and partnerships with healthcare institutions worldwide. Customers of an ISO certified laboratory can be confident that the result they receive from their laboratory will be acceptable across the globe.

Accreditation under ISO 15189 indicates that the laboratory is meeting regulatory obligations, promoting ethical practices and is a legally responsible organisation..

On staff competence and training, ISO accreditation affirms that laboratory personnel possess the necessary skills to maintain high-quality standards in laboratory operations. ISO accredited laboratories pay attention to staff training, recognising that maintaining high quality requires having highly competent team.

ISO standard requirements incorporate risk management principles, enabling laboratories to identify and mitigate potential risks effectively, thus ensuring patient safety. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement within medical laboratories, driving innovation and excellence in service delivery.

ISO accreditation distinguishes laboratories as leaders in quality healthcare delivery, providing a competitive advantage and attracting patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable diagnostic services.

ISO 15189 accreditation no doubt serves as a symbol for excellence in medical laboratories, enhancing patient trust and assuring service quality. SYNLAB Nigeria’s embrace of this international standard and compliance with its requirements solidifies its position as a trusted partner in healthcare delivery. As the healthcare landscape evolves, ISO accreditation will remain indispensable tool, driving innovation, patient-centred care, and unwavering confidence in medical laboratories worldwide.

SYNLAB Nigeria is a member of the SYNLAB group, with presence in 35 countries in four continents. The organisation has over 30 active locations across Nigeria and has been ISO 15189 certified since 2006.

SYNLAB Group is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe. The group offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practising doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments and corporates.

Providing the leading level of service within the industry, SYNLAB is the partner of choice for routine and specialty diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine. The group continuously innovates medical diagnostic services for the benefit of patients and customers.

SYNLAB holds leading positions in most markets, regularly reinforcing the strength of its network through a proven acquisition strategy.