Laboratory Quality Assurance
An established Quality Assurance (QA) Program is a required element of any public health performance management system. The CT DPH Laboratory QA Program coordinates the monitoring and evaluation of internal laboratory testing services to assure compliance with the federal and state regulations that govern the operations of public health laboratories.
Quality assurance activities are designed to proactively identify and resolve barriers to in-house quality testing. There are several subparts, including proficiency testing, quality control, and personnel competency assessment. All phases of testing are also subject to scrutiny, from sample collection and receipt to the analysis and reporting of test results.
The CT DPH Laboratory QA Program also directs Laboratory Client Services, a unit that provides a point of primary contact and advocates for the end users of laboratory services. Activities include communication and outreach to public health stakeholders and peer laboratories.
Clinical and environmental public health testing is subject to compliance assessments under multiple regulatory agencies, including the CT Department of Public Health and the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Environmental Protection Agency, and Food and Drug Administration. There is also participation in additional external laboratory improvement programs designed to assess esoteric as well as emerging test methodologies.
CT DPH Laboratory licensure, certification, and accreditation documentation includes the following:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) CLIA License
CMS Limited Public Health Testing CLIA License
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water Certification
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) ISO 17025 Accreditation
Contact the Quality Assurance Program or Laboratory Client Services at 860-920-6550.