In early 2016, the lab gained full AAVLD Accreditation after completing several improvement projects stemming from the initial audit (Summer 2014). These projects included the revamping of our Equipment Maintenance and Calibration tracking program (Equiparec). Equiparec can now track routine maintenance needs as well as service completion dates. Prior to this, each lab maintained a written log for each instrument/equipment in the lab. With Equiparec, all records are accessible via computer and can be updated and/or reviewed quickly and easily.

Another big addition has been the creation of a Nonconformance Tracking System. This system was created to help ADDL staff comply with quality system requirements for client negative feedback, nonconforming testing, corrective and preventive actions and the tracking of Corrective Actions stemming from internal and external audits. This system allows any employee to enter the complaint/issue into the system. The system is interactive, allowing the quality manger and section supervisor to determine the nature of the complaint/issue and to place it under the correct compliance heading. Once entered and defined, the system tracks the event through the entire process, including root cause analysis, necessary follow-up actions, and ultimately, incident resolution/close. Due to the ease of use, the new system has increased the use of this quality improvement tool.

Also, in 2016 the ADDL Quality Working Group participated in several lab audits. This group was created in 2014 to assist the quality manager with internal section/lab audits. This group has been a great help to the quality manager and a viable benefit to the lab. Besides assisting with internal audits, the committee members serve as the link between quality system requirements and implementation of these requirements in their own respective sections/laboratories.