INTERNAL AUDIT IN A MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

Aim-To set up a programme of internal laboratory audit in a medical mi crobiology laboratory. Methods-A model of laboratory based process aud it is described. Laboratory activities were examined in turn by specim en type. Standards were set using laboratory standard operating proced ures; practice was observed using a purpose designed questionnaire and the data were analysed by computer; performance was assessed at labor atory audit meetings; and the audit circle was closed by re-auditing t opics after an interval. Results-Improvements in performance scores (o bjective measures) and in staff morale (subjective impression) were ob served. Conclusions-This model of process audit could be applied, with amendments to take local practice into account, in any microbiology l aboratory.