In Nigeria, the laboratory services are integrated with the 3- tier public health system at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Besides these, there are Reference Laboratories, Research Laboratories and Disease Specific Reference Laboratories to provide services for complex and special tests. 

 

Both public and private sector provides laboratory support at all levels of health care both in rural and urban areas. Each laboratory should identify the scope, functions and the capacity of the services offered by it and appropriate infrastructure with requisite biosafety measures in place. Qualified and trained staff should be employed with periodic up- graduating of their skills. 

 

Laboratory test results play an important and sometimes singular role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease processes. When combined with the history, physical examination, x-ray studies and other diagnostic procedures, laboratory diagnoses always lead to sound Medical Diagnostic judgments. The importance of quality in the function of health care laboratories is recognized worldwide. 

 

Poor quality laboratory results can lead to misdiagnosis, wrong treatment, wastages, and litigation among others. In order to harmonize existing standards that ensure Medical Laboratories are producing quality test results, the international organization for standardization in 2004 officially announced 15015189 for adaptation as the international quality standard for Medical Laboratories globally. 

 

The requirements of ISO 15189 are quite comprehensive and in a way tasking to achieve. However, very few laboratories conform to these standards because of inadequate knowledgeof implementation. 

 

This guideline is therefore being developed to guide stakeholders understand the requirements for setting up a medical laboratory in to Nigeria. 

 

Click HERE to download the National Guidelines for Setting Up A Medical Laboratory in Nigeria