Keywords
External quality control
Clinical Laboratories
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To describe the current scenario of clinical laboratories that participate in the main accreditation and certification programs in the municipality of Divinópolis/MG, state of Minas Gerais and Brazil and affiliated with external quality control (CEQ) and/or Proficiency Testing (EP) in Minas Gerais and Brazil.
Methods: This descriptive study was developed through telephone contacts, institutional emails and consultations on the websites of the accreditation and certification programs, the Department of Inspection and Quality Certification (DICQ) expanded and formed the National Accreditation System (SNA- DICQ) maintaining the DICQ acronym in respect of the credibility achieved in its area of activity; Clinical Laboratory Accreditation Program (PALC); National Accreditation Organization (ONA) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) and CEQ and/or EP: National Quality Control Program (PNCQ-PRO-EX) and Quality Control for Laboratories (Controllab), and Cadastro Website National Health Facility (CNES).
Results: The percentage of accredited and certified clinical laboratories in Brazil was 2.3% (756 out of a total of 33,170); of these, 418 (55.3%) are accredited and certified by the SNA-DICQ; 175 (23.1%) in the PALC; 152 (20.1%) in the ONA and 11 (1.5%) in the CAP. In Minas Gerais, 3.8% (155 of a total of 4,055) of the laboratories are accredited and certified, being SNA-DICQ 86 (55.5%); ONA 45 (29.0%) and PALC 24 (15.5%), in Divinópolis/ MG, 2.9% (1 of a total of 35) laboratories are accredited. Those enrolled in CEQ in Brazil represent 9,083 (27.4%): 5,583 (61.5%) on PNCQ (PRO-EX) and 3,500 (38.5%) on Controllab. In Minas Gerais, 1,625 (40.1%) participate in some CEQ program.
Conclusion: The current panorama of accredited and certified clinical laboratories in Brazil and affiliated to the CEQ is still a minority, despite the benefits that directly impact the phases that involve the operation of a clinical laboratory.