Aquatic disease diagnostics laboratories

Selection of the various laboratory tests under the quality management system will influence the validity of the results obtained. This process is similar whether the laboratory is part of a fuUy accredited scheme or not. Importance can be placed on the internationally approved but also the scientific acceptance of the different laboratory tests employed. The methodology does not always have to be the most modem method used and in fact, often traditional, simple tests can be more cost effective within a rural aquatic disease diagnostic laboratory. 

Various QA management systems and their benefits have been discussed, where adoption of an accreditation system is a viable option for any disease diagnostic laboratory, particularly if it has a high input of samples. This may be considered as a more formal recognition of QA. There are various types or levels of accreditation but in general a third party is employed to verify and check that the laboratory is conforming to the selected standards which are part of the accreditation scheme chosen by the laboratory. A list of the most common accreditation bodies within aquatic animal health is provided in Table 6.2. 

All tests performed within the disease diagnostic facility should be valid, irrespective of their purpose. The validation process determines that the assay flt-for-purpose, it ensures that it has been properly developed, optimised and standardised for the intended purpose. This is described in more detail in chapter 1.1.2 in the OIE manual for diagnostic tests in aquatic animals (www.oie.int). Emphasis is placed on the purpose of the assay, which should be clearly defined by the diagnostic laboratory, irrespective of where this has been developed. 

---