Resources for the pathology standards

The resources below support clinicians, service providers and accrediting agencies by providing guidance on the requirements for pathology laboratories to be accredited.

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Notice
From 1 July 2021, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) is responsible for coordinating the National Pathology Accreditation (NPA) Scheme and managing the development of the pathology accreditation standards.

For enquiries about the NPA Scheme or the resources provided below, email pathology@safetyandquality.gov.au.

Testing for COVID-19

In response to the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic, the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) has developed a number of resources relating to COVID‑19 to support the Australian healthcare system.

Errors and corrections

Correction – Requirements for the retention of laboratory records and diagnostic material (Seventh Edition 2018)
2018
Publication, report or update
Correction – Requirements for the retention of laboratory records and diagnostic material (Sixth Edition 2013)
2013
Publication, report or update
Correction – Requirements for the packaging and transport of pathology specimens and associated materials (Fourth Edition 2013)
2013
Publication, report or update

Advisories

Fact sheets and FAQs

An image of the first page of the Fact sheet – Retention period for COVID-19 test samples
Fact sheet – Retention period for COVID-19 test samples
2022
Fact sheet or brochure

This fact sheet supports pathology laboratories by recommending the retention period for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test samples for diagnostic microbiological examination.

It supplements the expected requirements set out in the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council's Requirements for the retention of laboratory records and diagnostic material (Ninth Edition 2022).

Understanding the NPAAC Requirements for supervision in the clinical governance of medical pathology laboratories (Fifth Edition 2018)
2018
Fact sheet or brochure
Understanding the NPAAC Requirements for laboratories reporting tests for the National Cervical Screening Program (First Edition 2017)
2017
Fact sheet or brochure

Recording – Understanding the NPAAC Requirements for supervision in the clinical governance of medical pathology laboratories seminar


Best practice guidelines

An image of the front cover of The provision of direct to consumer genetic tests (May 2014)
The provision of direct to consumer genetic tests
2022
Publication, report or update

This document provides guidance for providers of Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing with the aim of ensuring the quality of services and the safety of clients.

Previous editions of the standards (updated as of February 2023)

Feedback

The Commission values your opinion. You can provide comments and feedback about this section of the Commission’s website by emailing advicecentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or phone 1800 304 056.

Related links
Pathology accreditation standards
National Pathology Accreditation Scheme
National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council
Topics
Accreditation
Pathology
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