Internal Quality Audits (4.

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ISO 15189 Requirements for Internal Audits The Audit Process Templates for Meeting Requirements

D. Keane June 2005

Requirements for Internal Quality Audits

All elements 15 management and 8 technical of ISO 15189 should be audited during a calendar year. Must have a procedure for planning and implementing internal quality audits so as to verify the elements and systems of the quality management system are implemented and effective.

D. Keane June 2005

Requirements for Internal Quality Audits

Audits should be planned and performed by the Quality Manager/ Officer or nominee You cannot audit your own activities The procedure for internal audits should define:- Audit types vertical/ horizontal to be performed - Frequency of these audits (schedule)

D. Keane June 2005

Requirements for Internal Quality Audits

The procedure for internal audits should define:- Methodology for performing the audit including reporting and close out processes - Corrective action/ preventative action must be documented and taken within an agreed time frame Results of internal audits form part of the Quality Management System review process
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The Audit Process

What is an audit? It is a planned or documented activity planned in accordance with written procedures and checklists, to verify by examination and investigation of objective evidence, that applicable elements of a quality programme or plan have been developed, documented and effectively implemented in accordance with specified requirements.

D. Keane June 2005

The Audit Process

Depth of Audit Horizontal audit (system audit) Will verify that each element of the quality management system are described, implemented and effective e.g. 4.1 to 4.15 15 5.1 to 5.8 8 Total of 23 elements

D. Keane June 2005

The Audit Process (Depth of Audit)

Vertical Audit - Will review in detail the testing departments in a laboratory. - All testing departments should be audited over the course of 12 months. - A vertical audit is designed to cover activities from procurement of specimen to issue of results. - The audit uses the details of 2 known specimens
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The Audit Process (Depth of Audit)

Vertical Audit The auditors must consider:Man (trained, competent, motivated) Materials (traceable, correct type, passed incoming inspection, correctly used, cleaned etc.) Machine (calibrated, validated, maintenance QC) Method (clear, up to date, correct version) Mileau (temperature, particulate count, humidity etc.)
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The Audit Process (Depth of Audit)

System audit e.g. 4.1 (horizontal) What are we looking for:Vertical audit e.g. haematology Which has more depth horizontal or vertical?
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The Audit Process

Audit process (same for internal, supplier or extrinsic audits): Preparation and planning Performance of the audit Exit meeting Audit report Follow up
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The Audit Process

Audit Planning Audit schedule (12 month plan) horizontal and vertical is issued to Laboratory Management Appoint trained personnel to perform the audits lead auditor (independent) Notify the auditee at least 1 week in advance. Confirm in writing the timetable and personnel involved
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The Audit Process (Planning)

Identify, obtain and review all relevant documentation prior to the audit relevant to the scope of the audit. - previous audit reports (follow up) - quality manual - procedures Develop audit checklist or have them pre prepared for horizontal or vertical audits. The audit checklist controls the continuity and depth of the audit.
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The Audit Process (Performance)

Entry meeting (2 mins):- Introductions - Confirm purpose/ scope - Timetable including time for exit meeting - Confirm escorts for duration of the audit

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The Audit Process (Performance)

1 hour to 1 day Obtain objective evidence to verify compliance/ non compliance and document same on checklist documentation. Questions should be asked to illicate full response. Following completion of the audit and before the closing meeting the audit team will meet to evaluate the evidence and agree on non conformances found and their classification. A list of non compliances is then made.
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The Audit Process (Performance)

Exit Meeting (5 mins) The lead auditor controls the exit meeting. The exit meeting will focus on:- the outcome of the audit - ensure the auditee understands and accepts the findings. - agree date for the final release of the audit report. - agree dates for close out of non conformances
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The Audit Process

Audit Report The formulation of the audit report must contain:- cover sheet. - a report sheet with corrective action report and agreed action and close out dates. - non conformances (corrective action requests) including classification.

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The Audit Process

Audit Report contd General observations should be noted including:a) areas audited b) activities found satisfactory c) activities with concerns

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The Audit Process

Follow up Quality Assurance Manager/ Officer/ Nominee verifies actions are closed out within an agreed time frame. Upgrade to major if not closed out within the agreed time frame.

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The Audit Process

Characteristics of a Good Auditor Good knowledge of the activity being audited Communication skills (articulate) Objective (stick to the facts) Open minded Good listener Observant A process approach Meticulous
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The Audit Process

Characteristics of a Good Auditor contd Impartial Professional Diplomatic High degree of integrity Patient Self driven and disciplined The auditor should never be aggressive no matter what happens
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The Audit Process

Characteristics of a Good Auditor contd Summary A good auditor should be a guide, philosopher and a friend.

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The Audit Process

Number of Trained Auditors At least one per discipline Auditors must write their own reports and follow up the close out of corrective actions

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Templates for Meeting Requirements

Templates provided are:Template 1 Internal Quality Audit Schedule Template 2 Internal Audit Report Lead Sheet Template 3 Checklist for Vertical Audit Template 4 Checklist for Horizontal Audit

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