UKAS accreditation renewal for LSTM’s Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory, during an unprecedented 15 months

News article 30 Jun 2021
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Blood sample

The Clinical Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory (CDPL) was assessed by UKAS for continued adherence to ISO15189:2012 in January 2021. This assessment, which was performed remotely due to guidance, was the first of a new four-year UKAS assessment cycle.

Carrying out the assessment remotely and during an exceptionally busy time was extremely challenging. However, it was a great success with the CDPL retaining its UKAS accreditation for all diagnostic tests placed on scope of practice. 

Jayne Jones, CDPL Laboratory Manager, said: “I am extremely proud of the team and how hard we have all worked to maintain our accreditation during this difficult time, this is testament to the team’s professionalism and respect for the work we carry out. Accreditation is the industry standard and gives customers the assurance that the laboratory is providing quality results and a standardised, reliable referral service”.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the CDPL had multiple roles in the research that took place at LSTM. It carried out antibody screening of participants in a vaccine trial. The unit also handled specimen reception and issue of results for community COVID-19 studies in conjunction with the Royal Liverpool NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Liverpool and is continuing to do this for COVID-19 treatment clinical trials.

The team in the CDPL examine samples referred from NHS trusts and private clinics throughout the UK as well as those across Europe. It can provide diagnostic testing for a full range of human parasitic infections including some of those that LSTM specialises in such as malaria, filariasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloides and African trypanosomiasis.

For more information about CDPL and its services on offer, click here