Quality control in microbiology

Abstract

Because of the sophisticated quality control methods needed to bring microbiology laboratory standards up to those generally demanded in clinical chemistry, the author stresses the importance of the continuing education of the microbiologist. The accuracy demanded from microbiology laboratory tests is more dependent on the knowledge and skill of the microbiologist than in other disciplines. Steps to be taken in laboratory work are enumerated and the responsibility of the laboratory staff, particularly in the taking of specimens, is underlined. Types of control are described and their use outlined in some detail with mention of materials commercially available.