UBC POLQM: Driving Laboratory Quality Through Education
Established in 2002 within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia, the Program Office for Laboratory Quality Management (POLQM) is dedicated to advancing quality excellence in medical laboratories worldwide.
Our vision is to be a global leader in laboratory quality education, driving high standards of accuracy, patient safety, and operational excellence across medical and diagnostic laboratories worldwide.
Our mission is to empower healthcare and laboratory professionals across Canada and internationally by delivering accessible, world-class education, training, research, and consultation in laboratory quality management aligned with ISO 15189:2022 and related global standards.
Courses
The UBC Certificate Program in Laboratory Quality Management is a comprehensive, online training program designed to equip laboratory professionals with the practical tools and expertise needed to implement and sustain rigorous quality systems. The course aligns directly with international accreditation standards, including ISO 15189:2022. Through guided modules, hands-on projects, and mentorship from experienced quality leaders, participants gain essential skills in risk management, audit preparation, quality control, and continuous improvement—empowering them to lead quality initiatives in medical and diagnostic laboratories worldwide.
The Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Interpretation (AST&I) course is a self-paced, online program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of clinical laboratory personnel in routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The course provides practical training on standard testing methods, quality control, breakpoint interpretations, and reporting guidelines. By mastering these principles, participants are better equipped to deliver accurate laboratory results that guide effective patient treatment and support global antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
Director’s message
Laboratory and pathology services inform nearly 70% of all medical decisions and medical diagnostic professionals are critical members of the patient care team. From patient sample collection to testing and reporting- every step needs to be quality assured to ensure accurate, timely results and inform medical treatment.
The Program Office is a health workforce education hub which promotes practical education and training in medical diagnostic quality assurance and laboratory quality management.
Our catalog of accredited courses supports the continuing education goals of diagnostic professionals and promote a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of medical laboratory quality in line with international standards and guidelines (e.g. ISO 15189:2022). Our international teaching team brings >100 years of collective, applied experience in diagnostic medicine and laboratory quality management.
Welcome here, we look forward to working with you.
Dr. Lucy Perrone,
— Program Director
Related courses
Canadian microbiology proficiency testing (CMPT) offers Professional Development courses for laboratory staff. Registration is ongoing; courses are online and self-paced. More info
Updates
Laboratory Quality Management(LQM) 2026 program started on January 14 and finished on June 2nd. The LQM 2027 program starts on January 6, 2027. Registration is now open. Take advantage of our Early Bird Rate: $1,550 per course or $3,000 for the full program when you register before September 30, 2026. Click here for course information.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Interpretation program is a self-paced on demand online course. Learners can join anytime and complete the course in as little as 12 weeks or take up to a full year. Course registration is now open. Click here for course information.