COLA is convening its first International Symposium July 30-August 1, 2006 to bring together key thought leaders to explore a global vision for improving access and quality to medical laboratory testing worldwide. Specifically, we will explore the unique needs of countries and regions on the path to improving access and quality in laboratory testing yet still short of their vision. The Symposium will begin to deepen our collective understanding of the differences in the delivery of diagnostic testing; significant technical, environmental, social or access barriers that lend themselves to creating special approaches; and the challenges in ensuring laboratory quality and access.

Closing the gap on a global vision to improve access and quality of laboratory testing is the prime goal of this program. Approaches to improving laboratory quality, in particular, are in abundance with demonstrated results, how to best transfer that knowledge to meet the unique needs of countries/regions is the question. This is a non-profit endeavor, bringing together a carefully selected group of the world’s best minds to focus on practical, effective measures that can be taken to improve medical laboratory quality and to better understand challenges in access.