By Achieving ISO 15189, the management systems by innovative clinical laboratories and pathology groups enables them to drive impressive gains in quality, customer satisfaction and financial performance. This is a key development at a time when medical laboratory budgets are shrinking and more cuts in lab test prices are expected. ISO 15189 accreditation also reduces risks, encourages the sharing of best practices and stimulates innovation. For payers and healthcare providers, accreditation is a tool that provides assurance that clinical lab services are safe, reliable and good value for patients. It also provides a mechanism for measuring quality improvements and supporting consistency. For patients, accreditation gives confidence that the services they receive are competent and safe, which can be a significant selling point for a medical laboratory.