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About us

Since 8th July 2004 the following former organizations have been working under the SKML banner:

  • SKZL Foundation for the Quality Control of Hospital Laboratories
  • KKGT Foundation for the Quality Control of Clinical Medicine Analysis and Toxicology
  • SIHON Foundation for Immuno-phenotyping of Hematologic Oncology, The Netherlands
  • SKMI Foundation for the Quality Control of Medical Immunology
  • SKMM Foundation for the Quality Control of Medical Microbiology
  • SPLD Foundation for Parasitological Laboratory Diagnostics
  • SSS Foundation Sub-commission on Coagulation

Herewith, the activities for external quality control in the disciplines of clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, hemo-oncology, parasitology, clinical pharmacy and toxicology and coagulation have been bundled within one organization, which reflects the multifaceted nature of the profession. Since 1st January 2009, the number of disciplines has been expanded to include that of pathology.

The various fields of research with a total of around 120 different types of schemes are categorized into 14 sections.

With the - continuing – bundling, the weaknesses – also those of a financial nature – are eliminated due to a greater degree of efficiency. Meanwhile, many laboratories have become CCKL-accredited. If the laboratories want to maintain their accreditation, they have to meet strict criteria. Likewise, the quality control organizations need to make their quality more apparent, guarantee continuity and even earn accreditation themselves. These criteria demand a great deal from the quality control organizations. Collaboration within an SKML-organization, therefore, offers more guarantees that tasks can be carried out efficiently and capably because of the optimal use of the knowledge and skills of all involved.

With regards to content, the benefit of bundling is achieved by striving for increased uniformity in the nature of the samples; an improvement in quality, where appropriate, of the commutability of the samples; a decrease in the number of different scheme assessment formats; a likewise decrease in the number – where possible through adaption of existing formats – of scoring systems and the aim towards a mutual policy with respect to dealing with “bad performers”, certification and other joint interests.

The SKML ranks itself as a modern EQAS-organizer, which incorporates and guarantees the implications of the IVD98/79/EC and the JCTLM-workgroups (evaluation of commutable EQAS-materials with JCTLM-endorsed reference methods), in the interests of the professional. The Calibration-2000 workgroup, which has as specific goals improved calibration and precision verification, is given a prominent position in this endeavor.

The section chairmen together form the General Board. The everyday activities are managed by the Executive Board. The foundation is assisted by an Advisory Council. The Board is supported by the CFB.

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