[ISO 9001 certification: Experience of the immunology and cell therapy laboratory at Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat].

Abstract

Medical analysis laboratories play an essential role in medical diagnosis, with their results influencing up to 70% of decisions. This means that the quality of laboratory services is a key factor in the quality of medical care. However, certification and accreditation are not yet compulsory in Morocco, and only the Guide to the Good Execution of Medical Biology Analyses (GBEA) published in 2011 governs the organisation of laboratories. The Blood Transfusion and Hemovigilance Service (STSH) at the Ibn Sina University Hospital (CHUIS) in Rabat has embarked on an ISO 9001:2015 certification process, with the aim of improving its performance and satisfying its interested parties. This process, which was launched in 2018, was carried out in two main phases. The first phase consisted of complying with current regulations, while the second phase involved an evaluation based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard. In accordance with the logic of the Deming wheel, the department developed its quality policy, set its objectives, and undertook staff training and awareness activities. The processes, along with the associated risks and opportunities, have been identified and represented. The documentation system, as well as the system for reporting and handling non-conformities, has been implemented and dematerialised. Performance and activity indicators have been defined for each process. Finally, the customer feedback system has been expanded to include all interested parties, thus allowing for an evaluation of their perceptions and the identification of areas for improvement. Despite the global pandemic of COVID-19, this work has successfully integrated ISO 9001:2015 into STSH's practices, with compliance being declared by a certification body in 2022.