International Laboratory

ISO 15189 Medical Laboratory Accreditation

ISO 15189 specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. ATEK's environmental monitoring solutions help laboratories maintain the controlled conditions essential for accurate diagnostic results and patient safety.

Authority: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Why Choose ATEK for ISO 15189 Compliance

Maintain Accreditation

Continuous monitoring and documentation support your ISO 15189 accreditation requirements.

Protect Sample Integrity

Real-time alerts prevent sample degradation by catching environmental excursions immediately.

Simplify Audits

Automated reports and complete audit trails make accreditation audits faster and less stressful.

Improve Patient Outcomes

Reliable environmental conditions ensure accurate test results for better patient care.

ISO 15189 Requirements

Key compliance requirements and how ATEK addresses each one.

Requirement Description ATEK Solution
5.3
Laboratory Equipment
Equipment must be capable of achieving required performance and comply with specifications relevant to examinations concerned.
Precision Environmental Monitoring
ATEK's calibrated sensors and transmitters provide the accuracy required to maintain equipment performance specifications.
5.3.1.4
Equipment Calibration
Equipment affecting results must be calibrated or verified at specified intervals against traceable standards.
Automated Calibration Tracking
Platform tracks calibration schedules and alerts when recalibration is due, with full calibration certificate management.
5.3.1.7
Equipment Records
Records shall be maintained for each item of equipment that contributes to examination performance.
Complete Equipment History
Every monitoring device maintains comprehensive records including installation, calibration, maintenance, and performance data.
5.6
Quality Assurance
Laboratory must design quality control procedures that verify the attainment of intended quality of results.
Real-Time Quality Monitoring
Continuous monitoring with configurable alerts ensures immediate notification of any condition that could affect sample quality.
5.4
Pre-analytical Processes
Sample handling, transport, and storage conditions must be monitored and documented.
Sample Storage Monitoring
Temperature and humidity monitoring for sample storage areas with complete audit trails and excursion documentation.
5.5
Analytical Processes
Laboratory shall use examination procedures that meet the needs of users and are appropriate for examinations.
Environmental Condition Verification
Documented proof that examination areas maintain required environmental conditions throughout testing processes.
4.2
Quality Management System Documentation
Documentation shall include policies, processes, procedures, and records required by the standard.
Automated Documentation
Generate compliance reports, audit trails, and quality records automatically to support management system requirements.

Understanding ISO 15189

ISO 15189 is the internationally recognized standard for medical laboratory quality and competence. First published in 2003 and updated in 2012 and 2022, it provides a framework for laboratories to demonstrate their ability to produce valid results.

Key Requirements

The standard addresses both management requirements (quality management system, document control, service agreements) and technical requirements (personnel, facilities, equipment, examination processes).

Environmental Control Requirements

Section 5.2 of ISO 15189 specifically addresses premises and environmental conditions, while Section 5.3 covers laboratory equipment:

  • Equipment must be capable of achieving required performance
  • Environmental conditions must not adversely affect results
  • Monitoring systems must be in place where relevant
  • Records must document environmental conditions

How ATEK Supports ISO 15189 Compliance

ATEK’s environmental monitoring platform addresses the technical requirements of ISO 15189 related to environmental control and equipment monitoring.

Continuous Monitoring

Our sensors continuously monitor critical parameters:

  • Refrigerator and freezer temperatures for sample storage
  • Ambient temperature and humidity in examination areas
  • Incubator conditions for culture-based testing
  • Cold chain for sample transport

Documentation and Audit Trails

Every data point is automatically logged with:

  • Timestamp and sensor identification
  • User actions and acknowledgments
  • Alarm events and responses
  • Calibration and maintenance records

Quality Control Support

Configurable alerts notify staff immediately when conditions deviate from acceptable ranges, allowing prompt corrective action before sample quality is affected.

ISO 15189 FAQs

What is ISO 15189?

ISO 15189 is an international standard that specifies requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. It covers management requirements and technical requirements for laboratory operations, including personnel competence, equipment, quality assurance, and examination processes.

How does environmental monitoring relate to ISO 15189?

ISO 15189 requires laboratories to maintain appropriate environmental conditions for sample handling, storage, and examination. Environmental monitoring systems provide documented evidence that temperature, humidity, and other critical parameters remain within specified limits.

Does ATEK help with ISO 15189 accreditation?

Yes, ATEK's monitoring platform provides the documentation and audit trails required by ISO 15189. Our system helps laboratories demonstrate continuous compliance with environmental requirements through automated reporting and alerting.

What environmental parameters should medical laboratories monitor?

Medical laboratories typically need to monitor temperature in refrigerators, freezers, and ambient areas; humidity in sensitive equipment areas; and potentially CO2 levels in cell culture facilities. Specific requirements depend on the examinations performed.

How often should environmental monitoring data be reviewed?

ISO 15189 requires regular review of quality data. With ATEK, data is monitored continuously and automatically, with immediate alerts for excursions. Formal reviews can be conducted daily, weekly, or as required by your quality management system.

Can ATEK integrate with our Laboratory Information System (LIS)?

Yes, ATEK offers API integration capabilities that allow environmental monitoring data to be incorporated into your existing laboratory systems, providing a unified view of quality data.

Need Help with ISO 15189 Compliance?

Our team of compliance experts can help you implement monitoring solutions that meet ISO 15189 requirements. Contact us for a consultation or demo.

Customized compliance assessment for your facility

Validation documentation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Expert support for audits and inspections

Speak with a Compliance Expert

Our team is available to discuss your specific ISO 15189 compliance requirements.

compliance@atek.io

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