Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is simply non-negotiable for Microdiagnostics. We consider it our duty, both from a medical as well as a simply human perspective, to aim towards the eradication of any possible error so that the final diagnosis we provide may be both accurate and undisputed. Human error is a factor whom we recognize and we, of course, believe that it is impossible to 100% be removed, not only in the medical field but in any sector. However, Microdiagnostics has made it a primary goal ever since its first steps to minimize it as much as possible.

It is for this reason that we operate based on internationally recognized standards, that we apply officially recognized practices, have been certified by accredited institutions both international and domestic and have developed an internal quality assurance system that allows us to function in a way that is appropriate and respectful both towards our science as well as towards our patients as persons.

Here are some indicative aspects of our internal quality assurance procedure:

• The laboratory doctors participate in a weekly, internal, Tumor Board Meeting during which doctors from every specialty discuss, compare their findings and co-decide for the most appropriate therapeutic/diagnostic approach on an individualized basis.

• Repeatability: As part of a reevaluation program we conduct random sampling tests on our archived material from previous cases during regular intervals and we test for consistency of results and the need to formulate a new diagnosis.

• Repetition: Every month our doctors consult the archives of our laboratory for the cases which they diagnosed and check them again. Any divergence from the initial diagnosis is noted down.

• Verification: Each case that contains cytology or histology samples (e.g FNAB & biopsy) is checked both by a histopathologist and a cytologist that work in tandem, to assure the validity and high quality of the results.

• Histology examination is the gold standard for any cytology sample testing.

• An annual quality assurance external evaluation takes place with international certified laboratories (UK & Finland)

• Every case, with no exceptions, is tested by at least two doctors (slides & written report)

• The laboratory uses continuous improvement as a quality assurance tool and takes the yearly external evaluation into account in that regards. As such, the review of the results (successes & failures) as well as the setting of improvement goals contributes to the fact that a yearly external evaluation for every case takes place (Kaizen-continual improvement). The external quality evaluation minimizes the uncertainty of results.

• The special stains used in immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry are always checked against our internal control database of samples that provide for both positive and negative control of the results

Microdiagnostics is one of the very few laboratories in Greece, whether public or private, that has managed to become certified across every level of medical services that it provides, like: