There is a well-known saying in medicine: “Proper treatment begins with a proper diagnosis.” Statistically, more than 70% of clinical decisions are based on laboratory test results. Yet few people are aware of the journey a sample takes—from collection to the final report.
Using the Scientific-Research Center of Oncology as an example, we will explore the key criteria that define the quality of a modern medical laboratory.
- International Standard — ISO 15189
Many people are familiar with ISO accreditation; however, in the medical field, ISO 15189 carries particular importance. It is not merely a “quality mark,” but a comprehensive and stringent standard that governs the entire laboratory process—from sample collection to the release of results.
Since 2024, the laboratory of the Scientific-Research Center has been operating in full compliance with this standard. An audit conducted by the Georgian Accreditation Center in 2025 confirmed that both process management and staff competence meet the highest requirements, significantly reducing the risk of diagnostic error for patients.
- Technological Automation
A modern laboratory cannot function without advanced analytical equipment. Automation minimizes the so-called “human factor” in routine procedures. In biochemical, hematological, and immunological testing, both accuracy and turnaround time are directly dependent on the technological capacity of the laboratory.
At our Center, the entire research cycle is fully automated—from sample reception to result validation. A high-tech integrated system manages every stage of the process, minimizing manual intervention and eliminating technical discrepancies. This robotic precision guarantees reliability and maximum analytical accuracy.
Automation covers all phases of the laboratory cycle through integrated information systems. The Hospital Information System (HIS) is seamlessly integrated with the Laboratory Information System (LIS), which is directly connected to the analyzers. Once testing is completed, results are automatically transmitted from the analyzers to the LIS, and subsequently to the HIS.
This synchronized digital workflow ensures that both patients and medical professionals receive laboratory services that are fully traceable, standardized, and compliant with international requirements across all stages: pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.
- External Quality Control and European Standards
While internal quality control is conducted daily, true objectivity requires independent external assessment. The performance of the Center’s laboratory is regularly evaluated by European reference laboratories.
Quality certificates issued by the German Bio-Reference Institute serve as evidence of the international recognition and credibility of the Center’s laboratory.
- Academic Foundation and Professionalism
The Center’s laboratory actively collaborates with leading higher educational institutions. Its highly qualified professionals contribute to teaching and training in laboratory medicine using modern methodologies.
Nino Abesadze, MD, PhD, Head of the Laboratory with 15 years of professional experience, and Lela Pantsulaia, Quality Manager with 20 years of experience, are actively involved in academic activities at leading universities.
This strong connection between clinical practice and academia ensures the continuous implementation of advanced diagnostic methods—whether in oncological, autoimmune, or rare infectious disease research.
