The clinical microbiology laboratory is a critical part of any infection control program. Whether it is an onsite facility at a hospital or a central reference laboratory facility serving multiple institutions, it provides crucial input at multiple levels-identification of infectious agents and antibiotic sensitivity profiles for appropriate treatment of the patients; surveillance and identification of outbreaks for epidemiological management; data collection for extended analysis to monitor medical practices and trending; and input to clinicians and health care workers to support infection control practices and training are very important. Within the laboratory, quality standards and performance must be maintained at the highest levels possible.