Quality assurance in medical microbiology

National External Quality Assessment Schemes (NEQAS) in Microbiology have been established and operative in the United Kingdom for over 20 years. The essential components of such schemes with an account of the supporting expert advisory structures are described. Participation is voluntary and the primary aim is educational and designed to elevate standards of diagnostic practice generally through comparisons of performance within peer groups. The effect of such schemes on microbiological diagnostic performance is discussed.The need for harmonisation within the European Community is addressed, together with an account of preliminary work relating to formulation of Directives in the field of medical devices.The process of accreditation of diagnostic pathology laboratories through CPA (UK) Ltd. is briefly described.