Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency in lab testing. They help minimize errors, maintain compliance, and improve overall efficiency, making laboratory operations more effective and trustworthy.

In the high-stakes world of clinical diagnostics, even a small laboratory error can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or compromised patient care. Errors can occur at any stage—pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical—due to factors like poor sample handling, instrument malfunction, or reporting mistakes. By implementing robust quality control measures, staff training, and systematic error tracking, laboratories can significantly reduce these risks. Addressing errors proactively not only enhances lab efficiency but also builds trust with healthcare providers and patients. Precision in laboratory testing isn't just a goal—it's a necessity for better healthcare outcomes.

In India, the laboratory services are integrated with the 3-tier public health system at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Besides these, there are Reference Laboratories, Research Laboratories and Specific Disease Reference Laboratories to provide services for complex and special tests. The private sector provides laboratory support at all levels of health care both in rural and urban areas. Each laboratory should identify the scope, functions and the capacity of the services offered by it and appropriate infrastructure with requisite biosafety measures should be planned. Qualified and trained staff should be employed with periodic up-gradation of their skills.