Verify complete implementation of the quality management system and compliance of the system with ISO 15189. As the Internal Auditors and Quality Officer may have developed blind spots (they are used to the way things are arranged and may not be able to see specific nonconformities in the system) it is better to have the laboratory audited by a "fresh pair of eyes". Therefore, arrange an external audit. External auditors must audit the laboratory as if they have to decide whether the laboratory can be accredited or not. Hire an experienced external auditor/auditors.

This activity provides you with the opportunity to smoothen out as much as possible all the nonconformities from the system before applying for accreditation and will give you more certainty for the final external audit by the accreditation body. Note that organizing a mock audit is cheaper than applying for accreditation without success.