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American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc.

Requirements for an Accredited Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN

ACCREDITED VETERINARY

MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC

LABORATORY

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY

LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICIANS, INC.

AC1, Version 2018-07
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Requirements for an Accredited Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Table of Contents

Page

Mission Statement..............................................................................................................3

Objectives of the Accreditation Program........................................................................3

Classification ......................................................................................................................4

Administrative Requirements ..........................................................................................4

2.1 Organization, Management and Personnel .......................................................4

2.2 Finance and Budget...........................................................................................4

Accreditation Process........................................................................................................4

Specific Requirements.......................................................................................................5

Management Requirements..............................................................................................5

4.1 Organization and Management .......................................................................5

4.2 Quality System ................................................................................................6

4.3 Document Control ...........................................................................................7

4.4 Review of request or contract .........................................................................7

4.5 Subcontracting of test services........................................................................8

4.6 Purchasing services and supplies....................................................................8

4.7 Complaints.......................................................................................................8

4.8 Control of nonconforming testing and test results ........................................ 8

4.9 Corrective and Preventative Action................................................................9

4.10 Records............................................................................................................9

4.11 Internal audits................................................................................................10

4.12 Management reviews .................................................................................. 11

Technical Requirements..................................................................................................11

5.1 General..........................................................................................................11

5.2 Personnel ......................................................................................................12

5.3 Accommodations and environmental conditions.........................................12

5.4 Test Methods................................................................................................12

5.5 Equipment.....................................................................................................16

5.6 Measurement Traceability.......................................................................... 17

5.7 Specimens.....................................................................................................17

5.8 Handling of Specimens ................................................................................18

5.9 Ensuring the quality of test results............................................................. 18

5.10 Reporting test results.................................................................................. 19

Document Revision Summary........................................................................................20

Appendix 1: Personnel Qualifications........................................................22

Appendix 2: Glossary of Terms...............................................................25
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Requirements for an Accredited Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the AAVLD accreditation program is to accredit public veterinary diagnostic

laboratories in North America relative to technical and operational competence compatible with

appropriate standards and to provide an administrative assessment.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ACCREDITATION PROGRAM

• To provide a mechanism for objectively accrediting veterinary diagnostic laboratories

• To continuously emphasize the importance of excellence in veterinary diagnostic service

• To periodically evaluate and modify the accreditation process

• To keep laboratories cognizant of current technological advances in diagnostic veterinary

medicine

• To keep laboratories informed of the impact of legislative mandates and other regulatory

actions

• To promote adequate training of specialists in diagnostic veterinary medicine

• To encourage hiring of dedicated and innovative diagnosticians with appropriate training

and experience

• To encourage acquisition and maintenance of facilities suitable and adequate to provide

quality services

• To promote appropriate quality system programs

• To assist laboratories to meet or exceed the standards of the World Organization for

Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties) (OIE) described in the OIE Quality

Standard and Guidelines for Veterinary Laboratories: Infectious Diseases, 2008
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CLASSIFICATION

1.1 There are two types of accreditation: accredited and provisionally accredited.

1.2 An accredited laboratory is one that is capable of providing a full range of diagnostic

services year-round in a majority of the following essential disciplines: necropsy,

histopathology, clinical pathology, bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology,

serology and toxicology. It is mandatory that a full service laboratory offer necropsy,

histopathology, bacteriology, and virology on site. Mechanisms must exist for referral of

those services not directly offered by the laboratory. The Accreditation Committee will

evaluate the appropriateness of essential services referred to other laboratories.

1.3 A provisionally accredited laboratory is one that does not meet the requirements and

guidelines but shows intent to do so. A provisionally accredited laboratory is given a

period of time to correct the deficiencies noted. Provisionally accredited laboratories are

required to document progress through periodic reports.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Organization, Management and Personnel

2.1.1 Diagnostic laboratories reviewed for accreditation may be administered by a

State/Provincial Department of Agriculture, a University, an Agricultural Experiment

Station, a State/Provincial Department of Health, or by various combinations of such

public institutions. The Committee does not review commercial laboratories or

laboratory animal diagnostic laboratories supported by the National Institutes of Health.

2.1.2 The laboratory personnel shall be able to provide competence in all management and 

technical groups evaluated for accreditation. Minimum training levels are listed by 

laboratory position in Appendix 1, Personnel Qualifications.”

2.2 Finance and Budget

2.2.1 The overall budget will be evaluated on the basis of salaries for personnel, operations,

equipment, maintenance, travel, information technology and continuing education. The

laboratory shall have sufficient resources to meet the requirements for accreditation as

indicated in the support for the various disciplines and the overall administrative function

of the laboratory.

2.2.2 As diagnostic laboratories are a vital part of disease surveillance and monitoring, finances

must be available to sustain these assignments. Since these laboratories serve the public

good, surveillance resources are not intended to be self-sufficient financially and require

public financial support commensurate with the public good derived.

ACCREDITATION PROCESS

3.1 The Accreditation Committee will consider all written applications for an accreditation

site visit from qualifying public laboratories, as described in the administrative

requirements.
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3.2 The Accreditation Committee of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory

Diagnosticians will evaluate each laboratory in terms of the degree to which it meets its

own statement of objectives and the established criteria set by the Accreditation

Committee.

3.3 Each accredited laboratory will be requested to provide an annual update at the time of

dues payment that outlines changes in Chief Administrator or administrative structure, or

any major changes in personnel, physical facilities, equipment, or budget that could affect

accreditation status.

3.4 Steps of the Accreditation process:

3.4.1 Application. Applications are considered confidential by the Committee.

3.4.2 The Accreditation Committee reviews the application and the laboratory’s Quality

Management System documents. If the status, application and Quality

Management System of the laboratory are satisfactory, a site visit will be

performed.

3.4.3 A site visit will be conducted according to the Accreditation Site Visit Guidelines set

forth by AAVLD.

3.4.4 The site visit team provides written and oral reports and recommendations to the

Accreditation Committee.

3.4.5 The Committee may make changes to the written report and recommendations and

determines the classification status of the laboratory.

3.4.6 Reports, which are considered as confidential information, are sent to the laboratory

director.

3.5 Accreditation is time limited. Laboratories are reaccredited periodically through

reapplication. Accreditation may be withheld or withdrawn if the laboratory fails to

meet the Requirements of the AAVLD Accreditation Committee.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

4. Management Requirements

4.1 Organization and Management

4.1.1 The laboratory or the organization of which it is part shall be an entity that can be held

legally responsible.

4.1.2 The laboratory shall be organized and shall operate in such a way that it meets the

requirements of this Standard whether carrying out work in its permanent facilities, at

sites away from its permanent facilities or in associated temporary or mobile facilities.

4.1.3 The laboratory shall have a clearly defined organizational system and structure. This

shall be supported with organizational charts and job descriptions. Organizational charts

shall indicate key personnel and the laboratory’s place within the larger organization.

Relationships between management, technical operations, support services and quality

activities shall be specified.
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4.1.4 The laboratory shall:

a) have managerial and technical personnel with the authority and resources needed to

carry out their duties and to identify the occurrence of departures from the quality

system or from the procedures for performing tests and to initiate actions to prevent

or minimize such departures;

b) have arrangements to ensure that its management and personnel are free from any

undue internal or external commercial, financial or other pressures and influences that

may adversely affect the quality of their work;

c) have policies and procedures to ensure the protection of its clients’ confidential

information and proprietary rights, including procedures for protecting the electronic

storage and transmission of results;

d) have policies and procedures to avoid involvement in any activities that would

diminish confidence in its competence, impartiality, judgment or operational

integrity;

e) specify the responsibility, authority and inter-relationships of all personnel who

manage, perform or verify work affecting the quality of the tests;

f) provide adequate supervision of testing staff, including trainees, by persons familiar

with the tests, their purpose and the analysis of test results;

g) have technical management which has overall responsibility for the technical

operations and the provision of the resources needed to ensure the required quality of

laboratory operations;

h) appoint a member of staff as quality manager (however named) who, irrespective of

other duties and responsibilities, shall have defined responsibility and authority for

ensuring that the quality system is implemented and followed at all times; the quality

manager shall have direct access to the highest level of management at which

decisions are made on laboratory policy or resources;

i) appoint backups or deputies for key managerial personnel such as the quality

manager.

NOTE: In laboratories with a small number of personnel, individuals

may have more than one function, and it may be impractical to appoint

deputies for every function.

4.2 Quality system

4.2.1 The laboratory shall establish, implement and maintain a quality system appropriate to

the scope of its activities, including the type, range and volume of testing it undertakes.

The laboratory management shall document its policies, systems, programs, procedures

and instructions to enable the laboratory to ensure to the extent possible, the quality of the

test and diagnostic interpretations it generates. Documentation used in this quality

system shall be communicated to, understood by, available to and implemented by the

appropriate personnel.

4.2.2 The laboratory management shall define and document the policies and objectives to be

achieved by implementing the quality system. The laboratory management shall ensure

that these policies and objectives are documented in a quality manual. The overall

objectives shall be set out in a quality policy statement in the quality manual, stating the
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standard of performance to be achieved and maintained. The quality policy statement

shall be issued under the authority of the chief executive. It shall include at least the

following:

a) a statement of the laboratory management’s intentions with respect to the standard of

service it will provide;

b) the purpose of the quality system;

c) a requirement that all laboratory personnel familiarize themselves with the quality

documentation and implement the policies and procedures in their work;

d) the laboratory management’s commitment to good professional practice and quality

of its diagnostic services to its client; and

e) the laboratory management’s commitment to compliance with the AAVLD Standard.

NOTE: The quality policy statement and manual should be concise.

4.2.3 The quality manual shall include or make reference to the supporting procedures,

including technical procedures. It shall outline the structure of the documentation used in

the quality system. The quality manual shall be maintained up to date.

4.2.4 The quality manual shall define the roles and responsibilities of technical management

and the quality manager, including their responsibility for ensuring compliance with the

AAVLD Standard.

4.3 Document Control

4.3.1 The document control system shall ensure that only the current version of the correct

document is in use in the laboratory and that documents needed for staff to perform their

work are available at the work location.

4.3.2 The laboratory shall have documented policy, procedures and/or work instructions that

describe how laboratory documents affecting the quality of tests, including test methods,

are reviewed, approved, issued, updated, revised, amended, retained or archived and

discarded. Procedures shall be reviewed and approved by authorized, qualified staff.

4.3.3 Changes to documents shall be identified clearly and reviewed and approved by an

authorized, qualified officer, administrator or supervisor having access to pertinent

background information concerning the change.

4.3.4 Documents shall be uniquely identified and accurately cross-referenced.

4.3.5 Documents shall include page numbers and total number of pages or a mark to signify the

end of the document,

NOTE: In this context “document” means any information or

instructions, in any format or medium, that have direct bearing on or

affect the quality of test results and includes not only the quality manual,

policy, procedures and instructions, but also test methods, worksheets,

forms, international standards and regulations.

4.4 Review of request or contract
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4.4.1 The laboratory shall have documented policy and procedures that describe how the

laboratory ensures that it is capable of and has the capacity for doing particular testing.

The procedures shall ensure adequate review of the proposed work with laboratory staff

and the client. The laboratory shall keep a record of the review and of client agreement.

4.4.2 The review shall also cover any work that is subcontracted or referred by the laboratory.

NOTE: Please refer to the AAVLD Glossary of Terms for definitions of 

Subcontracted and Referral tests.

4.5 Subcontracting of test services

4.5.1 When a laboratory offers tests that are subcontracted, whether because of unforeseen

reasons (e.g. workload, need for further expertise or temporary incapacity) or on a

continuing basis (e.g. through permanent subcontracting or agency arrangements), this

work shall be placed with a competent subcontractor. A competent subcontractor is one

that, for example, complies with the AAVLD Requirements or ISO 17025 for the work in

question.

4.5.2 The laboratory shall advise the customer of the arrangement.

4.5.3 The laboratory is not responsible for documenting that the subcontracting lab is competent

when the customer or a regulatory authority specifies which subcontractor is to be used.

4.5.4 The laboratory shall maintain a list of all subcontractors that it uses for tests.

NOTE: Referral tests (as defined by the AAVLD Glossary of Terms) does not fall 

under section 4.5 (Subcontracting of Test Services). Refer to AAVLD 4.4 (Review 

of Request and Contract).

4.6 Purchasing services and supplies

The laboratory shall have a policy and procedures to ensure that services and supplies meet preestablished specifications and will not adversely affect the quality of test results. These

procedures shall include a description of the criteria for selection, evaluation, use, handling and

storage of materials and reagents having an effect or potential effect on test results.

4.7 Complaints

The laboratory shall have a policy and procedure for the resolution of complaints received from

clients or other parties. Records shall be maintained of all complaints and of the investigations

and corrective actions taken by the laboratory.

4.8 Control of nonconforming testing and test results

4.8.1 The laboratory shall have a policy and procedures that ensure that nonconforming testing

(conditions that exist which have or could adversely affect the reliability of test results) is

detected and promptly corrected. The laboratory shall have procedures for informing

clients if test results are questionable or incorrect, particularly if this possibility is

identified after test results have been reported to the client. These procedures shall

describe who has the authority to withhold test results, implement corrective action and

authorize resumption of work.
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4.8.2 When a serious issue or a risk to the quality of test results is identified, the laboratory

shall ensure that appropriate corrective action procedures given in 4.9 shall be promptly

implemented.

4.9 Corrective and preventive action

4.9.1 The laboratory shall have a policy and procedures for implementing corrective action

when nonconforming work or departures from the policies and procedures in the quality

system have been identified. The policy and procedures shall ensure:

a) designation of appropriate authorities responsible for implementation of corrective

action(s);

b) investigative procedures are implemented to determine the root cause(s) of the

problem;

c) upon identification, appropriate corrective action(s) are implemented;

d) documentation of any required changes to operational procedures;

e) once implemented, corrective action(s) are monitored to ensure effectiveness in

overcoming the problem; and

f) when appropriate, areas of activity subject to corrective action are audited in

accordance with 4.11.

NOTE: Special internal audits need only be initiated when a serious

issue or risk to the quality of test results or integrity of the quality system

has been the subject of corrective action.

4.9.2 The laboratory shall identify potential sources of nonconformance and potential needs for

improvement, either technical or with the quality system. Preventive action procedures

shall include:

a) identification and evaluation of potential nonconformance or improvement;

b) development and implementation of an action plan, including appropriate controls;

and

c) monitoring of effectiveness in reducing likelihood of nonconformance or in

addressing specific needs for improvement.

NOTE: Preventive action is a pro-active process. Identification of

specific technical areas requiring preventive action often involves the

ongoing monitoring and review of the validity of the test methods and

the competence of the laboratory.

4.10 Records

All laboratory records must be maintained in an effective retrieval system and must be

accurate, contemporaneous, attributable and legible. This retrieval system should include

a system of classification of diseases. Records should be preserved in accordance with

requirements for individual jurisdictions.
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4.10.1 General

The laboratory shall have a records management system.

4.10.1.1The laboratory shall establish and maintain procedures for identification, collection,

indexing, access, storage, maintenance and disposal of quality and technical records.

Quality records shall include reports from internal audits and management reviews, as

well as, corrective and preventive action records.

4.10.1.2All records shall be legible and shall be stored and retained in such a way that they are

readily retrievable in facilities that provide a suitable environment to prevent damage or

deterioration and to prevent loss. Retention times of records shall be established.

NOTE: Records may be in the form of various types of media, such as

hard copy or electronic media.

4.10.1.3All records shall be held secure and in confidence.

4.10.1.4The laboratory shall have procedures to protect and back up data and records held on

computers at all times and to prevent unauthorized access to or amendment of data or

records on computers.

4.10.2 Technical records

4.10.2.1The laboratory shall retain for a defined period of time original observations, derived

data, calibration records, staff records, a copy of each test report issued and any other

information necessary to recreate the activity. The records for each test shall contain

sufficient information to facilitate identification of factors affecting the quality of test

results and to enable the test to be repeated under conditions as close as possible to the

original. The records shall include the identity of personnel.

4.10.2.2Observations, data and calculation shall be clearly and permanently recorded and

identifiable to the specific test at the time they are made.

4.10.2.3When mistakes occur in records, each mistake shall be crossed out (not erased, made

illegible or deleted) and the correct value entered alongside. All such alterations to

records shall be dated, signed or initialed by the person making the correction. In the

case of computer collected data, similar measures shall be taken to avoid loss or change

of original data.

4.11 Internal audits

4.11.1 The laboratory shall periodically and in accordance with a predetermined schedule and

procedure, conduct internal audits of its activities to verify that its operations continue to

comply with the requirements of the quality system and the AAVLD Standard. The

internal audit program shall address all elements of the quality system, including testing

activities. It is the responsibility of the quality manager to plan and organize audits as

required by the schedule and requested by management. Such audits shall be carried out

by trained and qualified personnel who are, wherever resources permit, independent of
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the activity to be audited. Personnel shall not audit their own activities, except when it

can be demonstrated that an effective audit can be carried out.

NOTE: In laboratories with a small number of personnel, effective

internal audits may not be feasible. In such cases, it may be appropriate

for two or more laboratories to cooperate in auditing each other.

4.11.2 When audit findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of the operations or on the quality of

the laboratory’s test results, the laboratory shall take timely and effective corrective and

where appropriate preventive action, and shall notify clients in writing if investigations

show that the laboratory results may have been affected (see 4.8).

4.11.3 The area of activity audited, the audit findings and corrective actions that arise from them

shall be recorded. The laboratory management shall ensure that these corrective actions

are discharged within an appropriate and agreed-upon time frame.

4.12 Management reviews

4.12.1 The quality system and test related activities shall be reviewed by management at least

once per year.

4.12.2 The laboratory shall have a procedure for performing a Management Review. The review

shall take into consideration:

a) suitability of policies and procedures;

b) reports from managerial and supervisory personnel;

c) reports of recent internal audits;

d) corrective and preventive actions;

e) assessments by external bodies;

f) results of inter-laboratory comparisons or proficiency tests;

g) changes in the volume and type of work;

h) client feedback;

i) complaints;

j) other relevant factors, such as quality control activities, resources and staff training.

4.12.3 Findings from management reviews and the actions that arise from them shall be

recorded. The management shall ensure that those actions are discharged within an

appropriate and agreed-upon time frame.

4.12.4 This review and subsequent activities shall ensure the continuing suitability and

effectiveness of the quality management system and shall ensure the introduction of

necessary changes and improvements.

5. Technical requirements

5.1 General

5.1.1 Many factors can affect the reliability of test results. The extent to which these factors

contribute to the reliability of test results differs between tests. The laboratory shall take

account of these factors in developing or adopting test methods and related procedures

for routine use, in the training and qualification of personnel, in the selection and
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calibration of equipment and in the assessment of materials and reagents to be used in

testing.

5.2 Personnel

5.2.1 The laboratory shall ensure the initial and ongoing competence of all laboratory

personnel to do their assigned work using objective criteria. Note: Examples of objective

criteria may include proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparisons, reference sample

panels, replicate testing of quality control materials and continuing education.

5.2.2 The laboratory shall maintain current job descriptions for managerial, technical and key

support personnel involved in testing and diagnostic interpretation, and the management

shall authorize only staff that is documented as qualified and competent to do testing and

related work.

5.2.3 The laboratory shall have a system that ensures the establishment and maintenance of a

training program relevant to the present and anticipated needs of the laboratory.

5.3 Accommodation and environmental conditions

All aspects of the physical facilities must provide an appropriate environment for the

conduct of the activities of all disciplines required for laboratory accreditation.

Laboratories, offices, storage space and animal holding rooms shall be clean, maintained

in good repair and be adequate in number and size for the intended function of the

laboratory. Adequate lighting and ventilation shall be provided. Safety, biosafety,

biocontainment and biosecurity features shall be incorporated as a part of the physical

facility.

5.3.1 Laboratory facilities for testing, including but not limited to energy sources, lighting and

environmental conditions, shall be such as to facilitate correct performance of tests. The

laboratory shall ensure that the environment does not invalidate the results or adversely

affect the required quality of any testing activity.

5.3.2 The laboratory shall monitor, control and record environmental conditions as required by

relevant specifications or where they may influence the reliability of the results. Due

attention shall be paid, for example, to biological sterility, dust, electromagnetic

interference, radiation, humidity, airflow, electrical supply, temperature and sound and

vibration levels, as appropriate to the technical activities concerned. Test activities shall

be stopped when the environmental conditions jeopardize the test results.

5.3.3 There shall be effective separation between neighboring areas in which there are

incompatible activities. Measures shall be taken to prevent cross-contamination.

5.3.4 Access to and use of areas affecting test results shall be controlled.

5.3.5 The laboratory shall ensure the establishment and maintenance of safety, biosafety,

biocontainment and biosecurity programs relevant to present and anticipated needs. The

programs will provide staff training and address all necessary elements to ensure a safe

work environment.

5.4 Test methods

5.4.1 General
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5.4.1.1 The laboratory shall use appropriate test methods and related procedures for all animal

disease diagnostic testing activities. Consideration shall be given to all factors that

impact the relevance of the test method and test results to a specific diagnostic

interpretation or application. These factors include the suitability of the test method, its

acceptability by the scientific and regulatory communities, its acceptability to the client

and its feasibility given available laboratory resources. See 5.4.3.1 note.

5.4.1.2 Test methods shall be approved for use by qualified, authorized personnel, according to

established procedures.

5.4.1.3 Tests shall be appropriately controlled.

5.4.1.4 The laboratory shall have written instructions for all tests and related procedures used in

its routine activities, the calibration and operation of all relevant equipment and the

collection, handling, transport and storage of specimens and preparation of samples for

testing.

5.4.1.5 Laboratories using test methods prepared by national and international standards-setting

bodies and other external technical organizations shall have a system to receive updates

of these methods in a timely manner.

NOTE: International, regional or national standards or other recognized

specifications that contain sufficient and concise information on any of

the above subjects do not need to be rewritten as internal procedures if

these standards are published in a way that they can be used as published

by the operating staff in a laboratory. Consideration may need to be

given to providing additional documentation for optional steps in the

assay or additional details. As with all test methods, they shall be

subject to document control (see 4.3).

5.4.2 Selection of methods

5.4.2.1 The client shall be informed of the test method chosen and if required, the laboratory

shall provide the client with the rationale used in making this choice (see 5.4.1.1).

5.4.2.2 The laboratory shall demonstrate, using objective criteria, that it can properly perform

standard methods prior to introducing diagnostic tests. If the standard methods change,

the verification must be repeated.

5.4.2.3 Test methods shall contain enough critical and descriptive information such that

experienced personnel can properly perform the test within pre-established control limits

without reference to information sources outside the laboratory’s document control

system. In addition, it shall include as appropriate:

a) evidence of document control;

b) relevant references;

c) a description of intended analyte(s)(e.g., antibody) and any quantities or ranges to be

determined (e.g., titer);

d) any reference standards or reference materials required (e.g., reference strains,

reference standards for antibody);

e) a description of the appropriate matrix or specimen for testing, including species (e.g.,

bovine serum);
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f) safety considerations, including biocontainment level needed;

g) a list of and specifications for equipment, materials and reagents, including software;

h) conditions for acceptance of specimens as fit for testing;

i) conditions for specimen identification, collection, handling, transportation and

storage;

j) conditions for sample preparation;

k) a description of the controls used and their acceptance limits;

l) checks to be made prior to beginning the test procedure (e.g., equipment checks and

calibrations);

m) acceptance criteria for results;

n) data to be recorded and the method of analysis/transformation, presentation, and/or

interpretation (e.g., how an absorbance reading is transformed and interpreted as a

positive or negative result relative to a cut-off) and recording; and

o) the most current description of the test procedure.

5.4.2.4 The test method shall be validated before it is incorporated into the routine diagnostic

activities of the laboratory. The same prerequisite applies to an existing assay that has

been modified if the modification affects the performance characteristics of the assay (see

5.4.3).

5.4.3 Validation of test methods

5.4.3.1 A test method, whether an international or national standard method, a harmonized

method or developed in-house, shall be considered appropriate for routine diagnostic

purposes if it has been validated, where possible, according to the principles outlined in

the OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines or other related OIE

references. While it is preferred that all methods, whether developed in-house or drawn

from reputable collections of standard methods, undergo an in-house validation using an

appropriate number of samples from the population of interest, the user is not required to

re-validate international or national standard methods but shall be able to define, at least

through reference to public or private documentation, the analytical sensitivity and

specificity, accuracy and precision, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and other

parameters relevant to the use of the test method in the user’s laboratory. The user shall

provide documented evidence of data on and statistically valid assessment of comparative

performance for those assays that are harmonized by interlaboratory comparison to an

accepted and validated standard method.

NOTE: Test methods may be classified as “validated for use” by meeting the

following criteria.

1) Ongoing documentation of internal or inter-laboratory performance using

known reference standard(s) for the species and/or diagnostic specimen(s) of

interest,

AND one or more of the following:
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2) Endorsed or published by reputable technical organization (e.g.:

OIE Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, US

Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriologic Analytic Methods,

Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, American Society

of Microbiology Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology,

American Association of Avian Pathologists Isolation and

Identification of Avian Pathogens, EPA protocols, American

Fisheries Society Bluebook, AOAC, NAHLN);

3) Published in a peer-reviewed journal with sufficient documentation to establish

diagnostic performance and interpretation of results;

4) Documentation of internal or inter-laboratory comparison to an

accepted methodology or protocol.

5.4.3.2 Validation data, including all original observations, calculations, equipment monitoring

and calibration records and archived procedures used to formulate performance

characteristics, shall be retained by the laboratory for at least as long as the assay is used

for diagnostic purposes and for at least seven years after the assay has been retired from

use.

NOTE: Depending on client needs, the laboratory may be required to

define other diagnostic performance indicators such as positive and

negative predictive values of the test. Such indicators may be

particularly relevant to certain diagnostic applications or test

populations.

5.4.4 Control of data

5.4.4.1 The laboratory shall ensure, using appropriate procedures that all data resulting from test

validation and all data relating to test results are secure, retrievable, and approved for use

by specified, qualified personnel.

5.4.4.2 Manual calculations and data transfers shall be subject to appropriate checks in a

systematic manner.

5.4.4.3 When computers or automated equipment are used for the acquisition, processing,

recording, reporting, storage or retrieval of test data, the laboratory shall ensure that:

a) computer software, modified or developed by the user, is documented in sufficient

detail and suitably validated or otherwise checked as being adequate for use, i.e., the

laboratory shall implement and document changes to control procedures such that

these activities can be recreated and an audit trail is established;

b) procedures are established and implemented for protecting the security, integrity, and

retrievability of data; such procedures shall include, but not be limited to, integrity

and confidentiality of data entry or collection, data storage, data transmission and data

processing;

c) computers and automated equipment are maintained to ensure proper functioning and

are provided with the environmental and operating conditions necessary to maintain

the integrity of test data.
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NOTE: Commercial software in general use within its designed

application range may be considered sufficiently validated.

5.5 Equipment

The laboratory shall possess or have access to all equipment necessary for the correct

performance of all services. All equipment shall be identified, properly maintained and

calibrated with maintenance and calibration procedures documented.

5.5.1 The laboratory shall be furnished with all items of test and related equipment required for

the correct performance of the tests. In those cases where the laboratory needs to use

equipment outside its permanent control, it shall ensure that the requirements of this

AAVLD standard are met.

5.5.2 Equipment and its software used for diagnostic activities shall be capable of achieving

the accuracy required and shall comply with specifications relevant to the procedures

concerned. Calibration programs shall be established for key equipment where these

properties have a significant effect on the results.

5.5.3 Equipment shall be operated by authorized, qualified personnel. Up-to-date instructions

on the use and maintenance of equipment (including any relevant manuals provided by

the manufacturer of the equipment) shall be readily available for use by the appropriate

laboratory personnel.

5.5.4 Each item of equipment used for test activities significant to a test result shall be uniquely

identified.

5.5.5 Records shall be maintained of each item of equipment significant to the tests performed.

The records shall include at least the following:

a) identity of the item of equipment;

b) manufacturer’s name, type identification and serial number or other unique

identification;

c) verification that equipment complies with the specification;

d) the current location, where appropriate;

e) the manufacturer’s instructions, if available, or reference to their location;

f) dates, results and copies of reports and certificates of all calibrations, adjustments,

acceptance criteria and the due date of next calibration;

g) maintenance carried out to date and the maintenance plan;

h) damage, malfunction, modification or repair to the equipment.

5.5.6 Maintenance procedures shall be established.

5.5.7 Equipment calibrations shall be performed by qualified personnel using procedures

appropriate to intended use, accuracy and precision required, and at appropriate intervals

as historical data indicate.

5.5.8 Equipment that has been subjected to overloading or mishandling, or gives suspect

results, or has been shown to be defective or outside specified limits, shall be taken out of

service, clearly labeled or marked and appropriately stored until it has been repaired and

shown to perform correctly. The laboratory shall examine the effect of the defect or

departure from specified limits on previous tests and shall institute the “Control of

nonconforming work” procedure (4.8).
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5.5.9 Whenever practical, all equipment under the control of the laboratory and requiring

calibration shall be labeled, coded or otherwise identified to indicate the status of

calibration or verification and the date when the next calibration or verification is due.

5.5.10 When, for whatever reason, equipment goes outside the direct control of the laboratory,

the laboratory shall ensure that the function and calibration status of the equipment are

checked and shown to be satisfactory before the equipment is returned to service.

5.5.11 Test equipment, including both hardware and software, shall be safeguarded from

adjustments that would invalidate the test results.

5.6 Measurement traceability

5.6.1 Where indicated and when possible, the laboratory shall have traceability of all

measurements, including the calibration of equipment to Standard International (SI) units.

5.6.2 Where traceability to SI units of measurement is not possible, the best available means

for providing confidence in the results shall be applied, such as:

a) the use of suitable reference standards or materials certified to give a reliable

characterization of the material;

b) mutual-consent standards or methods that are clearly specified and agreed upon by all

parties concerned;

c) participation in a suitable program of interlaboratory comparisons or proficiency

testing.

5.6.3 Reference equipment, standards or materials used in conjunction with testing activities

shall be handled, maintained and stored in a manner that ensures proper performance

and/or accuracy.

5.6.4 Biological reference material shall, where possible, be traceable to accepted international

standards or to OIE reference materials (e.g., International Standard Sera).

5.6.5 Checks needed to maintain confidence in the status of working standards and reference

materials shall be carried out according to defined procedures and schedules.

5.6.6 The laboratory shall have procedures for safe handling, transport, storage and use of

reference standards and reference materials in order to prevent contamination or

deterioration and in order to protect their integrity.

5.7 Specimens

5.7.1 General

The laboratory shall have procedures for the collection of specimens to ensure that they

are both appropriate to the test being undertaken and suitable for testing.

NOTE: This applies to veterinary diagnostic laboratories only when the

laboratory is directly responsible for specimen collection.

5.7.1.1 The laboratory shall have procedures for the collection, processing where indicated and

preservation of specimens. Collection and related procedures shall be available at the

location where collection is undertaken.
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5.7.1.2 The laboratory shall have procedures for recording relevant data and operations relating

to specimen collection that forms part of the test that is undertaken, whether the

collection is performed by laboratory staff or by the client. Records shall include the

collection procedure used, identification of the collector, environmental conditions (if

relevant) and diagrams or other means to identify the collection location as necessary

(e.g., in the case of tissue specimens) and, if appropriate, the statistics that sampling

procedures are based upon.

5.7.1.3 When sampling from populations, as appropriate, the laboratory shall have a statistically

defined plan for sample collection.

NOTE: While the laboratory may provide relevant scientific and/or

statistical input into the development of sampling plans for the testing of

animal populations, the development of these plans does not fall within

the AAVLD Standard.

5.8 Handling of specimens

5.8.1 The laboratory shall have procedures which ensure the integrity of specimens. These

shall include transportation, receipt, handling, protection, retention and/or disposal of

specimens.

5.8.2 The laboratory shall have a system for identifying specimens that ensure no confusion

between specimens or derived samples. The identification shall be retained throughout

the life of the specimen and its derived samples in the laboratory and linked to the test

report (5.10).

5.8.3 Upon receipt of the specimen, any abnormalities or departures from normal or specified

conditions, as described in the relevant test method, shall be recorded. If there has been a

departure from specifications, then the samples should not be considered fit to test.

5.8.4 When there is any doubt as to the suitability of a specimen for testing purposes, or when a

specimen does not conform to the description provided, or if the test method required is

not specified in sufficient detail, the laboratory shall consult the client for further

instructions before proceeding and shall record the facts and results of that discussion.

5.9 Ensuring the quality of test results

The laboratory shall have quality control procedures for monitoring the validity of test

results. This monitoring shall be planned and reviewed and may include, but not be

limited to, the following:

a) internal quality control schemes using statistical techniques (e.g., control charts);

b) where applicable, use of international reference reagents for preparation of national

and/or working standards for internal quality control;

c) when practical, replicate tests using the same or different methods;

d) correlation of results for different characteristics of a specimen or sample;

e) re-testing of retained specimens or samples;

f) participation in interlaboratory comparison or proficiency testing programs.
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NOTE: The validity of test results is influenced by both technical

competence and assay performance characteristics. If the validity of test

results is called into question, it is important to be able to distinguish

between the two. A test may demonstrate appropriate process control

but poor diagnostic performance or vice versa.

5.10 Reporting test results

5.10.1 The results of each test performed by the laboratory shall be reported accurately, clearly,

unambiguously and objectively and in accordance with any specific instructions in the

test method or contract.

5.10.2 Unless the laboratory has valid reasons for not doing so, each test report shall include at

least the following information:

a) a title (e.g., “Test Report”);

b) name and address of laboratory, and if different, the location where the tests were

performed;

c) unique identification (see 5.8.2.) at the beginning and on each page of the test report

to ensure that the page is recognized as a part of the test report and a clear

identification of the end of the report;

d) name and address of the client placing the order;

e) description and unambiguous identification of the specimen(s) tested;

f) unique identification of the test method(s) used;

g) date of receipt of specimen(s) and date(s) of performance of the test where relevant to

the validity and application of the results;

h) test results;

i) reference to specimen collection procedures used by the laboratory or by the client

where these are relevant to the validity or application of the results;

j) where appropriate and needed, opinions and diagnostic interpretations of the test

results;

k) the name(s), function(s), and signature(s) or equivalent identification of person(s)

authorizing the test report.

5.10.3 Where applicable, the test report shall also include:

a) date of specimen collection;

b) unambiguous identification of specimen source;

c) location of collection, including any diagrams, sketches or photographs;

d) reference to sampling plan used (see 5.7.1.3.);

e) details of any environmental condition during collection that may affect the

interpretation of the test results;

f) identification of the collection procedure or technique.

5.10.4 When opinions and diagnostic interpretations are included in the test report, the

laboratory shall document the basis upon which the opinions and interpretations have

been made.

NOTE: When the results of a battery of tests are considered in

formulating an opinion or making a diagnostic interpretation, it may be

necessary to describe for the client, the rationale behind the sequence of

testing and the decision making process (e.g., presumptive vs. definitive

tests or screening vs. confirmatory tests).
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5.10.5 When the test report contains results of tests performed by subcontractors or referral 

laboratories, these results shall be clearly identified.

5.10.6 Transmission of test results and/or interpretations whether in hardcopy or electronic

format shall meet the requirements of the AAVLD Standard.

5.10.7 The report format shall be designed to accommodate each type of test carried out and to

minimize the possibility of misunderstanding or misuse.

5.10.8 When a battery of tests is to be performed and results reported as available, interim test

reports shall be issued to the client. These reports shall indicate tests completed and tests

pending. Such reports shall be uniquely identified as interim test reports, shall contain a

reference to any and all preceding interim reports and shall meet all the requirements of

the AAVLD Standard. Upon completion of all testing, a final test report shall be issued

that is uniquely identified and shall contain a reference to any and all interim reports that

it replaces.

5.10.9 When a material amendment to a test report that has been issued is necessary, a

supplement to the test report shall be issued to the client. Such amendments shall be

uniquely identified as a supplement, shall contain a reference to the original test report

and shall meet all the requirements of the AAVLD Standard.

5.10.10When it is necessary to issue a new test report, it shall be uniquely identified and shall

contain a reference to the original that it replaces.

Document Revision Summary

Version 4.3 - 10/19/09

• Entire document: Removed “Essential” from “Essential Requirements”

• Entire document: Added Table of Contents

• Objectives of the Accreditation Program, last bullet: Changed date of OIE document from 2002 to 2008

• Section 1.1: Changed “will be” to “are”

• Section 1.3: In the second sentence, changed “shall be” to “is” Last sentence, changed “will be”

to “are”

• Section 1.4: Removed section

• Section 3.4.1: Removed “The AAVLD Accreditation Application is provided as Appendix 1.”

• Specific Requirements: Changed date of OIE document from 2002 to 2008

• Attachment 1: Removed the Application from Requirements and made it a separate document

• Personnel Qualifications: Removed 4th column from table

Version 5.0 - 9/14/10

• Entire document: Grammatical corrections

• Table of Contents: Added Appendices 1 and 2, corrected page numbers

• Section 1.2: Added “year-round” after “a full range of diagnostic services”

• Section 5.7.1 Note: Replaced “sample” with “specimen”

• Appendix 1, page 3: In * replaced “medical” with “veterinary”

• Appendix 2: Added new appendix: Glossary of Terms

Version 6.0 - 10/10/11

• Section 4.3.3: Changed the word “Amendments” to “Changes” and deleted the words “in the text”

• Section 4.3.5: New section

• Section 4.5: Deleted “The client shall be informed of and agree to any subcontracting of work.”

• Sections 4.5.1-4.5.4: New sections

• Appendix 1

o Quality Manager: Minimum Qualifications: Deleted “in a biological science related field”

• Section Heads: Minimum Qualifications:

o Toxicology: Deleted “and 3 years experience” and replaced with “and 2 years experience or DVM

and Diplomate ABVT”

o Bacteriology: Added “DVM”
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Version 6.1 - 6/1/12 • Appendix 1 o Pages 23 and 24: Add fourth column, List Actual Qualifications tab, to table

Version 6.2 - 10/5/14

• Section 2.2.1: Changed “library” to “information technology”

• Section 3.4.2: Added “and the laboratory’s Quality Management System documents”

• Section 3.4.3: Added “Accreditation”, deleted “AAVLD”, “and Accreditation Audit Report”, added “set forth by

AAVLD”, deleted “SOP 102.1”

• Specific Requirements: Deleted entire section

• Section 4.2.2.c: Added “laboratory”, deleted “concerned with testing activities within the laboratory”

• Section 5.2.1: Added “using objective criteria. Note: Examples of objective criteria may include proficiency 

testing, inter-laboratory comparisons, reference sample panels, replicate testing of quality control materials and

continuing education”.

• Section 5.4.2.2: Added “using objective criteria”, deleted “confirmation” added “verification”.

• Section 5.4.2.3: Deleted “other”, added “outside the laboratories document control system”.

• Section 5.4.4.1: Deleted “is” added “are

• Section 5.10.6: Deleted “In the case of”, added “whether in hardcopy or”, deleted by telex, facsimile or other”,

added “format shall meet”, deleted “or by electromagnetic means” and “shall be met”.

• Glossary Terms Added:

o “Test Method: specific procedure; synonymous with assay e.g. ELISA, cELISA, PCR, real time PCR”.

o “Test: the use of a test method (assay, specific procedure) within a specific context, i.e. diagnosis of a

disease. Test refers to the specific target (i.e. infectious agent, antigen, antibody, analyte) plus the

specific procedure used, e.g. EIA antibody ELISA, Porcine Parvovirus PCR

o Verification: Added “The process of determining accuracy using a reference standard; e.g.” Deleted

“The process of”, added “the internal process to determine if a laboratory can perform a validated

assay and obtain expected results.

Version 2016-07 – 07/28/2016

• Personnel Qualification, Appendix 1: Revised entire document 

• Naming convention: Revised document number to “AC-1” and revised version number to year and month of 

Accreditation Committee meeting when revision approved

• Section 2.1.2:

o Removed: “The director/chief administrative officer shall be a veterinarian. The laboratory personnel 

shall be able to provide competence in all testing groups evaluated for accreditation. Minimum training 

levels are listed in the section on personnel qualifications in Appendix I.”

o Added: “The laboratory personnel shall be able to provide competence in all management and 

technical groups evaluated for accreditation. Minimum training levels are listed by laboratory position 

in Appendix 1, Personnel Qualifications.”

Version 2018-07 – 07/31/2018

• Appendix 2 – Glossary of Terms: Added new terms for referral tests and subcontracted tests

o Subcontracted Tests: Any test request currently offered by the laboratory that is received from the 

client where the laboratory is unable to perform for whatever reason (e.g. excessive workload, lack of 

personnel, need for further expertise or other temporary incapacity). Subcontracted reports will be sent 

back to the laboratory for inclusion in their report.

o Referral Tests: Any test request not currently offered by the laboratory. The laboratory must advise 

the client what laboratory the sample/specimen will be sent to for testing. Advisement can occur pre 

or post submission (e.g. phone, website, fee schedule, test report). Referral reports may be sent 

back to the laboratory for inclusion in their report.

• Section 4.4.2:

o Removed: The review shall also cover any work that is subcontracted by the laboratory.

o Added: The review shall also cover any work that is subcontracted or referred by the laboratory.

• Section 4.4: added note at end of section

o NOTE: Please refer to the AAVLD Glossary of Terms for definitions of Subcontracted and Referral 

tests.

• Section 4.5 Subcontracting of test services: added note at end of section

o NOTE: Referral tests (as defined by the AAVLD Glossary of Terms) does not fall under section 4.5 

(Subcontracting of Test Services). Refer to AAVLD 4.4 (Review of Request and Contract).

• Section 5.10.5: 

o Removed: 5.10.5 When the test report contains results of tests performed by subcontractors, these 

results shall be clearly identified.
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o Added: 5.10.5 When the test report contains results of tests performed by subcontractors or 

referral laboratories, these results shall be clearly identified.
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AC-1, Version 2018-07 Page 23 of 29

Appendix 1

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS1

POSITION MINIMUM 

QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED 

QUALIFICATIONS

LIST OF ACTUAL 

QUALIFICATIONS

Administration

Director/ Chief

Administrator

DVM* and advanced 

degree in relevant field of 

study + 5 years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory or 

relevant work experience + 

5 years directing / 

supervising experience. 

Experience could include 

practice management, 

regulatory/policy, finance 

or quality management

DVM* and PhD with

specialty board 

certification + 5 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant 

work experience + 5 

years directing / 

supervising experience. 

Experience could include 

practice management, 

regulatory/policy, finance 

or quality management

Quality Manager BS or BA** + 2 years QA 

experience. 

MS or PhD in a science 

related field, and 

documented advanced 

QA training, and QA 

certification. 

Section Heads

Anatomic and 

Clinical Pathology

DVM* and MS in 

pathology OR DVM* with 

completion of a pathology 

residency program + 5 

years veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant work 

experience.

DVM* and PhD in 

pathology + Diplomate 

ACVP + 5 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant 

work experience 

1. The Accreditation Committee will consider exceptions to personnel qualifications on a case-by-case basis. 

Justifications of an exemption for specific personnel qualifications will be evaluated during a regularly scheduled 

full site visit to a laboratory. 

*Or equivalent /comparable veterinary degree. 

**Or equivalent/comparable science degree.
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POSITION MINIMUM 

QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED 

QUALIFICATIONS

LIST OF ACTUAL 

QUALIFICATIONS

Toxicology DVM* and MS in 

toxicology

OR

Relevant PhD + 2 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory experience

OR

DVM* and Diplomate of 

ABVT

DVM* and PhD in 

toxicology + Diplomate 

ABVT + 5 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory experience

Bacteriology

Virology

MS or PhD degree in 

relevant science related 

field + 2 years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory or 

relevant work experience

OR

DVM* and Diplomate 

ACVM + 2 years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory 

experience

DVM* and PhD +

Diplomate ACVM + 5 

years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory or 

relevant work experience

Serology

Molecular 

Diagnostics

MS or PhD degree in 

relevant science related 

field + 2 years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory or 

relevant work experience

DVM* and PhD +

Diplomate ACVM + 5 

years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory or 

relevant work experience

Analytical 

Chemistry 

MS degree in chemistry + 2 

years veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant work

experience 

PhD degree in chemistry

+ Board Certified (ABT) 

+ 5 years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory or 

relevant work experience.

1. The Accreditation Committee will consider exceptions to personnel qualifications on a case-by-case basis. 

Justifications of an exemption for specific personnel qualifications will be evaluated during a regularly scheduled full 

site visit to a laboratory. 

*Or equivalent /comparable veterinary degree. 

**Or equivalent/comparable science degree.
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POSITION MINIMUM 

QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED

QUALIFICATIONS

LIST OF ACTUAL 

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Staff

Anatomic and 

Clinical 

Pathologists 

DVM* and MS in 

pathology

OR

DVM* with completion of 

a pathology residency 

program

DVM* and PhD in 

pathology + Diplomate 

ACVP + 5 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory experience 

Epidemiologists MS or PhD + 2 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant work 

experience

DVM* and MS or PhD + 

ACVPM Board 

Certification + 5 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant 

work experience

Diagnosticians DVM* + 2 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant 

work experience

DVM* with advanced 

training in appropriate 

discipline + 5 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant 

work experience

Technical/

Clerical Staff

Laboratory

Technicians: 

Histotechnology, 

Bacteriology, 

Clinical 

Pathology, 

Necropsy, 

Toxicology, 

Serology, 

Virology or

Molecular Dx.

High school + 2 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant work 

experience; 

OR 

Compliance with existing 

state or university policies. 

BS/MT/VT/HT/HTL (as 

appropriate) + 2 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory or relevant 

work experience 

Medical Records 

Technician 

High school + 2 years 

veterinary diagnostic 

laboratory experience; 

OR 

Compliance with existing 

state or university policies

BS + 2 years veterinary 

diagnostic laboratory 

experience and 

certification 

1. The Accreditation Committee will consider exceptions to personnel qualifications on a case-by-case basis. 

Justifications of an exemption for specific personnel qualifications will be evaluated during a regularly scheduled 

full site visit to a laboratory. 

*Or equivalent /comparable veterinary degree. 

**Or equivalent/comparable science degree.
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Appendix 2 Glossary of Terms

Accreditation: A process by which an authoritative body (accreditation body) gives formal recognition

that an organization or person is competent to carry out specific tasks as outlined in accreditation

requirements.

Accuracy: The level of agreement between a test value and the expected value for a reference standard,

control, or known activity or titer; closeness to the true value.

Assessment: A process of collecting and analyzing data in a systematic way to determine the compliance

of an organization with specific accreditation requirements.

Audit finding: The result(s) of the evaluation between collected audit evidence and audit criteria.

Calibration: The process of adjusting the accuracy of a piece of equipment to a NIST calibrated

standard.

Competence: The demonstrated ability to get the correct result by possessing the required skill,

knowledge, qualification or capacity.

Continuous improvement: A set of recurring activities that an organization carries out in order to

enhance its ability to meet requirements. Some of these activities may include audits,

management reviews, corrective and preventive actions, analyzing data and setting objectives.

Control chart: A chart with upper and lower control limits on which values of some statistical measure

for a series of samples or subgroups are plotted. Control charts may be used to evaluate shifts and trends

within a controlled process (e.g. test method).

Corrective action: The steps taken to reduce or eliminate the cause of an existing nonconformity or

other undesirable situation. Corrective actions prevent recurrence of nonconformities. See also

Preventive Action. Note: An initial correction is the immediate step taken to fix a detected

nonconformity or get a process back under control prior to conducting the root cause analysis of a

corrective action.

Document: From AAVLD Requirements pg. 23 - “NOTE: In this context “document” means any

information or instructions, in any format or medium, that have direct bearing on or affect the quality of

test results, and includes not only the quality manual, policy, procedures, and instructions, but also test

methods, worksheets, forms, international standards, and regulations.”

Effectiveness: The state of having produced a decided on or desired effect. The extent to which planned

activities are realized and planned results achieved.

Guideline: A document stating recommendations or suggestions.

Improvement: The positive effect of a process change effort. Internal (first party) audit: An on-site

inspection of a process or quality system to ensure compliance with specific requirements. The auditors

who conduct first party audits are employees of the organization being audited.
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Management system: The organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources

for implementing policy and achieving objectives.

Management review: An evaluation of the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of an organization's

quality policy and quality objectives, address resource needs and look for opportunities for improvement.

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology): An agency of the U.S. Department of

Commerce that develops and promotes measurements, standards and technology.

Nonconformance (noncompliance): The failure to comply with a specified requirement.

Objective evidence: The evidence supporting the existence or verity of something. It may be obtained

through observation, measurement, test, or other means.

Policy: An overarching plan (direction), used for the basis of making decisions, and for achieving an

organization’s goals.

Precision: The aspect of measurement that addresses repeatability or consistency when an identical item

is measured several times - precise does not equal accurate.

Preventive action: Action taken to remove the cause of a potential nonconformance or undesirable

situation. Preventive actions prevent occurrence of nonconformities. See also Corrective Action.

Process: A set of interrelated work activities characterized by a set of specific inputs that make up a

procedure for a set of specific outputs.

Process control: The method for keeping a process within accepted boundaries by minimizing variation.

Quality assurance: A planned program consisting of the actions necessary to provide confidence that a

test or testing activity conforms to established technical requirements.

Quality control: The operational activities used to ensure that quality standards are being met.

Quality management system: A set of interrelated or interacting elements that organizations use to

implement and direct quality planning, quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement.

Quality manual: A document specifying the quality management system of an organization. A Quality

Manual may vary in detail and format in order to suit the size and complexity of an organization.

Quality policy: An organization’s general statement of its beliefs about quality, how quality will come

about and its expected result. It should define top management’s commitment to quality and describe an

organization’s basic intent.

Record: Any and all written materials that provide proof of compliance with the quality system and

evidence that a specified activity has been performed. They may be in hard copy or electronic form and

should be attributable to an individual.
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Referral Tests: Any test request not currently offered by the laboratory. The laboratory must advise the 

client what laboratory the sample/specimen will be sent to for testing. Advisement can occur pre or post 

submission (e.g. phone, website, fee schedule, test report). Referral reports may be sent back to the 

laboratory for inclusion in their report.

Reliability: The ability of an item to perform a required function under stated conditions for a stated

period of time.

Repeatability: The variation in measurements taken by a single person or instrument on the same item

and under the same conditions (e.g. running a sample in triplicate).

Reproducibility: The ability of a test or method to be accurately reproduced, or replicated (e.g. running

a sample for a given method on two different days or by two different analysts).

Root cause: The initiating reason for the presence of a defect or problem. When removed or corrected,

the nonconformance is eliminated.

Root cause analysis: The process of problem solving used to identify the underlying or initiating source

of a nonconformance.

Sample: material that is derived from a specimen and used for testing purposes.

Sensitivity (diagnostic): proportion of known infected reference animals that test positive in the assay

(infected animals that test negative are considered to have false-negative results).

Specification: The requirements, to which a given service must conform, usually stated in a document.

Specificity (diagnostic): proportion of known uninfected reference animals that test negative in an assay

(uninfected reference animals that test positive are considered to have false-positive results).

Specimen: material submitted for testing, e.g., carcass, whole blood, serum, and urine.

Subcontracted Tests: Any test request currently offered by the laboratory that is received from the client 

where the laboratory is unable to perform for whatever reason (e.g. excessive workload, lack of personnel, 

need for further expertise or other temporary incapacity). Subcontracted reports will be sent back to the 

laboratory for inclusion in their report.

Test Method: specific procedure; synonymous with assay e.g. ELISA, cELISA, PCR, real time PCR.

Test: the use of a test method (assay, specific procedure) within a specific context, i.e. diagnosis of a

disease. Test refers to the specific target (i.e. infectious agent, antigen, antibody, analyte) plus the specific

procedure used, e.g. EIA antibody ELISA, Porcine Parvovirus PCR

Trend: The measure of a variable’s tendency, over time, to increase, decrease or remain unchanged. It is

typically represented graphically or through statistical means.

Traceability: The ability to identify and trace the history, distribution, location, and application of a

measurement or the value of a standard whereby it can be related to stated references, usually national or

international standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties.
American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc.

Requirements for an Accredited Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

AC-1, Version 2018-07 Page 29 of 29

Validation: The act of confirming, through objective evidence, that the requirements which define an

intended use or application have been met. The process through which a test method is confirmed to be

fit for the intended purpose.

Verification: The process of determining accuracy using a reference standard; e.g. comparing the

accuracy of a piece of equipment to a NIST calibrated reference standard; the internal process to

determine if a laboratory can perform a validated assay and obtain expected results.