Home / Accreditation / Medical Laboratories
GTAF Accreditation Programme

Medical Laboratories
ISO 15189

Medical laboratories support patient care by producing reliable examination results. GTAF accreditation focuses on competence across the laboratory examination process, from pre-examination arrangements through examination and post-examination activities, with emphasis on quality, patient safety and result reliability.

Applicable framework: ISO 15189
Programme Focus

Competence, impartiality and confidence

GTAF’s accreditation approach is designed to provide a structured, evidence-based evaluation of organizations performing conformity assessment activities. The emphasis is on technical competence, impartiality, consistent processes and confidence in results or certification decisions.

Patient-focused quality

Processes designed to support reliable examination results and appropriate communication of critical information.

Competent personnel

Defined competence requirements, authorization and ongoing competence monitoring.

Controlled examination processes

Suitable methods, equipment, quality controls and management of examination activities.

Result and information integrity

Controlled reporting, records, confidentiality and continual improvement arrangements.

Typical Scope Areas

Define the scope with precision

The accreditation scope should clearly describe the activities, sectors, methods, schemes or technical fields for which competence is demonstrated.

  • Clinical biochemistry
  • Haematology and coagulation
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology and serology
  • Molecular and other specialized examinations
What GTAF Looks For

Evidence that supports reliable outcomes

Assessment considers the organization’s documented arrangements and their effective implementation. Depending on the programme and scope, evidence may include:

  • Competent personnel and defined responsibilities
  • Controlled procedures, records and technical methods
  • Suitable facilities, equipment and resources
  • Impartiality and confidentiality controls
  • Quality assurance, monitoring and continual improvement
  • Effective handling of complaints, appeals or feedback where applicable
Accreditation Journey

A clear path from application to surveillance

The detailed sequence is tailored to the programme and requested scope, while maintaining a consistent accreditation decision framework.

01

Application

Application and scope review

02

Technical

Technical and quality system assessment

03

Witnessing

Witnessing and examination process evaluation

04

Corrective action review

Corrective action review

05

Accreditation decision

Accreditation decision and surveillance

Need to Know

Frequently asked questions

Accreditation is granted for a defined scope. The assessment focuses on the competence, impartiality, consistency and effectiveness of the applicant’s activities within that scope.

The programme is structured around ISO 15189. Applicants should review the applicable GTAF requirements and scheme or programme-specific criteria before applying.

GTAF assessment activities may include document review, interviews, records review, technical evaluation, witnessing and other evidence-based activities appropriate to the requested scope.

Accredited organizations remain subject to the applicable surveillance, reassessment and change-management arrangements so that continued competence and conformity can be maintained.
Ready to begin?

Explore accreditation for your organization.

Review the applicable requirements and submit your accreditation enquiry or application to begin the process.