Which ISO standard specifically addresses medical laboratories?

ISO 15189:2007 is the specific standard that addresses the requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories. This standard establishes a framework that medical laboratories can follow to demonstrate their ability to provide reliable and consistent results, which is crucial for patient care and safety. It focuses on the unique aspects of medical laboratory testing, including the need for appropriate quality management systems, personnel competence, equipment calibration, and compliance with regulations.

The implementation of ISO 15189 helps ensure that laboratories are capable of delivering accurate diagnostic information, thus supporting effective treatment decisions. The standard emphasizes not only the quality of laboratory processes but also patient safety and the overall effectiveness of laboratory management systems, making it an essential guideline for medical laboratories.

The other options pertain to different types of standards: ISO 9001:2000 is a general quality management standard applicable across various industries, ISO 7001:1994 relates to graphical symbols for public information, and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 covers general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories but does not specifically address the unique needs of medical laboratories.