Clinical Governance

Confidentiality

The Microbiology laboratory adheres strictly to the principles set out in the Caldicott Report (1997) and conforms with the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act.

Audit

All staff participate in clinical and/or scientific audit as an essential component of continuous quality improvement.

Organ and Specimen Retention

The laboratory complies with all national clinical standards for organ and specimen retention.

Prescribing

Medical microbiologists and virologists work together with senior clinical and pharmacological colleagues to develop and monitor appropriate prescribing policies. These are reviewed regularly and updated in accordance with evidence-based practice.