The University of Sydney’s Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services at Camden and Camperdown receive National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation for anatomical and clinical pathology.
NATA accreditation means that the Uni’s pathology services are now certified to a globally-recognised level. As a peer-reviewed process, users can be assured of high-level services in harmony with ISO standards.
Associate Professor Damien Higgins, Director of the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services (VPDS), said achieving NATA recognition has been a sustained effort from everyone on the team.
“We are pleased to announce that VPDS and Camden Pathology have now been jointly accredited by NATA for necropsy (Sydney), histopathology, and haematology and biochemistry,” says Higgins.
“This makes us the first Australian university owned veterinary pathology lab to be accredited in these areas – a significant milestone nationally.
“Achieving the highest international quality assurance standards for testing laboratories assures our clients and their patients of top-quality support, and allows us to model best practice in our teaching programs,” says Higgins.
In association with the School of Veterinary Science, VPDS trains future vets with a range of courses, including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience), as well as residency and higher degree programs by research at PhD and Masters levels.
“With our Animal and Veterinary Bioscience graduates and residents moving into laboratory disease investigation, and biotech roles in accredited and non-accredited labs, it is increasingly important to train them in a best-practice environment,” says Higgins.
With the NATA accreditation process taking anywhere from three to four years to complete, Associate Professor Higgins is delighted at the successful outcome.
“This has been a large and sustained effort from the team, with support from the School of Veterinary Science,” says Higgins. “Congratulations all!”
Professor Mark Krockenberger, Professor of Veterinary Pathology, agreed. “Congratulations…to all who have made sure this happened,” he says. “An excellent outcome for us as diagnostic laboratories.”
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