Richard W. Brown, MD, FCAP

This book is a practical guide intended for pathologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and pathology residents who may be called upon to serve as laboratory directors.

Authored by members of the CAP Quality Practices Committee, this manual contains ten stand-alone chapters directed at the most challenging aspects of laboratory quality management, including discussions of:

• Concepts and tools for continuous quality improvement
• Quality in the pre- and post-analytical phases of the test cycle
• Metrics unique to the microbiology laboratory
• The evolving role of informatics
• Mechanisms for communicating to stakeholders

The book contains numerous “real world” examples from the authors’ laboratories, including tools for optimal test ordering, error detection/prevention, and reporting of quality data. Highlights include samples of interpretive comments for the reporting of complex tests, and a comprehensive guide to the development and annual review of a laboratory quality management system/plan.