Many laboratories today wish to assure their clients of the implementation of a sound quality system. The International Standards Organization (ISO) has the 9000 series of quality systems which is recognized globally. This article specifically addresses issues to be considered for a good quality system in a modern service oriented microscopy laboratory.

The quality system is devised to attain certain objectives which are consistent throughout the company, whether they be research and development, marketing and sales, supply of a service, procurement, shipping, etc. Each company devises a quality system specific to their business and that serves their own and their client's needs. Some of these objectives may be the following: assurance of cost effective operations; prevention of errors in all aspects of the operation; assurance to the client that the objectives, deliverables and time frame are understood, prevention of delays; increase of productivity, a commitment to meeting the client's quality assurance requirements.