This guideline describes how laboratories can develop and use quality indicators to measure and monitor performance of laboratory processes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline QMS12—Developing and Using Quality Indicators for Laboratory Improvement provides recommendations on developing meaningful quality indicators for single and multiple laboratory organizations. This guideline includes criteria for selecting quantitative and qualitative indicators. It also includes procedures for gathering data and using the information to present and interpret results, monitor performance over time, and communicate laboratory indicator performance to internal and external laboratory customers.