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Quality

A national project

Each laboratory that integrates the Labco network signs a charter of commitment to a quality process, according to a reference quality handbook. The project required careful planning: it was carried out by a Managing Committee composed of a small number of biologists assisted by quality experts and specialists in project management. The objective of the work was to bring the best conditions for assistance to laboratories so they can access the COFRAC accreditation within two to three years.

A logical and structured approach

A reference hanbook, and a documentary data base from the ISO 9001, ISO 17025, ISO 15189 and the GBEA standards, and a master plan has been provided to all laboratories. These tools have been designed as examples leaving a wide margin of freedom in drafting the quality system of each laboratory. This action is intended to save the time of setting up the Quality System; it is hoped halved compared to what it would be without assistance. This feature allows great flexibility in the choice of final recognition.

A target of official recognition

Labco quality policies was designed in line with the recommendations of an official body, COFRAC, for these reasons:

  • In this approach, standards are a safe guideline. They were created by renowned international experts and became a reference since the introduction of the ISO15189 standard.

  • Evaluations by the COFRAC audit, an external qualified and independent agency, provide an unquestionable value to the accreditation.

  • COFRAC accreditation is recognised at national, European and international levels.

  • Accreditation is not a lasting diploma: it must be revalidated periodically.

The human and technical resources

RDQ (Representatives of the Direction for Quality) have been recruited to assist the laboratories in the implementation of the quality policy:

  • The network involves 7 full-time quality controls, which supervise from 2 to 10 laboratories as appropriate. Other recruitments are planned. These quality controls have the opportunity to meet and communicate via periodical meetings, and soon will participate in the creation of a website dedicated to quality.

  • Labco auditors were selected and trained. The laboratories are audited at various stages of deployment of their approach. These moments, eagerly awaited and sometimes feared, help determine the adequacy of the measures implemented. They are also a way of improving one's practice of interrogation for auditors, of encouraging teams in place, and of discussing solutions.

  • With the perspective of pooling and dematerialisation of quality tools, the network has chosen a quality management software, KaliLab. To date, about 1 laboratory on 4 is using this tool. The installation accompanied by training for 6 other groups of laboratories is planned in the coming months.

A synergy with other Labco support services

The Labco quality process is part of the decentralisation logic of the network, taking into account strong human values. It is one of the services offered by Labco to support its members interacting with other support services such as human resources, the legal department, purchasing, and management.

There is still a long way to go, but all audits show not only the will to progress, but also the crossing of steps.