Governance and management of veterinary laboratories.

This paper describes those components of governance and management of a public veterinary laboratory that are deemed essential for the effective delivery of a diagnostic service. Whilst broadly applicable to all veterinary diagnostic services, there is a focus on publicly supported veterinary diagnostic laboratories in developing countries, highlighting the critical components that should be established as a minimum. The need for establishing overarching ownership, governance and resourcing is emphasised but followed by a detailed account of the components of diagnostic service management and delivery, linked to a description of the key support services that are essential in assisting delivery. Elements of quality assurance and compliance are described, with an emphasis on the need to both understand and meet the regulatory environment in which a diagnostic laboratory now operates. The outputs from a veterinary laboratory must be rooted in sound science, and mechanisms must be in place to prevent corrupt practices and inappropriate political influences.