Postanalytical factors and their influence on analytical quality specifications

Quality thinking in medical laboratories is placed within the framework of the European Foundation for Quality Management Model which suggests the use of medical outcome indicators such as those developed by the Joint Commiss ion on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. From here concepts were i llustrated to improve the quality of the medical laboratory towards the dat a produced but moreover towards the information given, the knowledge acquir ed and the decision taken. Postanalytical factors were used to define analy tical quality specifications.