These products are also perishable with a finite shelf life and subject to different regulations than reagents used in chemistry or hematology. Finally, there is an even higher level of accreditation, unique to blood banks. All blood banks aspire to this level. Their standards are the most rigorous in the entire laboratory field. After accreditation is achieved, a laboratory must demonstrate continued excellence in all areas where testing is offered.
Testing varies for the different areas of the laboratory.
For hematology, it may involve review of kodachrome slides demonstrating different blood cells. In chemistry, serum samples are provided and the appropriate tests are evaluated. The answers are submitted to the agency, graded, and then returned. Any wrong answer requires a written explanation. Failure of the testing may lead to a site visit by the inspecting agency.