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Metrology resumes activities which allow the management of results measurement quality. In this paper, we present basic principles of metrology applied to the activities of laboratory medicine. We successively treat general concepts useful for laboratory staff, the interest in the definition of a metrological function and its activities field, the applications in measuring instruments necessary for the exams of medical biology, and the specific documentation control needed.

Quality of point-of-care examinations depends on the quality assurance system settled. This paper describes the different tools used to control the pre-examination, examination and post-examination procedures taking part in the quality of patient care according to the requirements of the standard EN ISO 22870 and EN ISO 15189 as well. They include mainly: For the pre-examination phase, the sample traceability and for the analytical phase, the practice of internal quality control and the participation in external quality assessment programme.

Compliance to EN ISO 22870 standard for point-of-care testing (POCT) accreditation is close to those of EN ISO 15189 in central laboratory. However, it is mandatory to master the elements which are specific to POCT. In this paper, we describe the two main processes involved to help medical biologists to achieve standard requirements, particularly in the risk assessment study. The first process concerns the deployment of a POCT device in a hospital outside laboratory and the second is the classical process of medical biology testing, outlining the steps which are different from the laboratory testing process. Furthermore, we reference, in front of each sub-process described, the different articles published in the present volume detailing specific guidelines to master them.

In this paper, we focus on the additional requirements of EN ISO 22870 compared to those described in Chapter 4: Quality Management of EN ISO 15189. They concern the quality policy, the management reviews and the audits. Thus, we propose a template of quality policy statement, and specific requirements for conducting management review of POCT are given. Finally, a questionnaire for performing an audit of POCT activities is proposed. The composition and activities of the multidisciplinary group for the supervision of POCT activities, which is also a specific requirement of EN ISO 22870, is discussed in another article of this volume.

After a definition of the various emergency situations, vital or organizational, the paper describes the process of urgent laboratory tests requests from the medical prescription until the return of the interpreted results to the clinician. The intervention options of the various professionals to optimize and assure the control of the process 24 hours a day and 7 days/7 are presented. Then, a list of validated available stat tests is proposed. It recovers the main disciplines which have a direct link to bring the help to the clinical teams in responsibilities of critical situations. These propositions must be adapted to the conditions of laboratory local environment.

In this paper are presented some useful web sites to find updated reference tables concerning the recommendations of professional practices in laboratory medicine. The knowledge of these reference tables can allow the biologist to develop its role of advice to the clinicians. It can also help him to assure a relevant interpretation of the laboratory results and to value the interest for the patient.