Postanalytical factors and their influence on analytical quality specifications.

Quality thinking in medical laboratories is placed within the framework of the European Foundation for Quality Management Model which suggests the use of medical outcome indicators such as those developed by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. From here concepts were illustrated to improve the quality of the medical laboratory towards the data produced but moreover towards the information given, the knowledge acquired and the decision taken. Postanalytical factors were used to define analytical quality specifications.