Overview
Accreditation is a peer review assessment process by which an authoritative body ensures that laboratories meet explicit quality management criteria, in order to provide formal recognition that the laboratory is competent to carry out examinations. Standards for accreditation are identified in advance. OLA’s accreditation requirements translate the standards into explicit criteria for accreditation. Accreditation assessment visits determine if laboratories conform to requirements, for all examinations performed for diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of humans. In Ontario, all activities and all premises associated with the scope of testing proposed for accreditation (licensed classes of tests), are subject to accreditation assessment. Applicant laboratories designate the applicable scope under assessment. Ongoing surveillance (e.g. self assessment, PT/EQA monitoring) ensures that accredited laboratories continue to meet the requirements for accreditation.