What does CLIA stand for?

The term CLIA stands for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. This legislation established standards to ensure the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing, especially those performed in laboratories that are not part of hospital settings. CLIA regulations apply to laboratory testing done on humans in the United States, which includes a variety of contexts from point-of-care testing to major clinical laboratory settings.

Understanding CLIA is crucial for anyone involved in laboratory testing because it sets the framework for compliance, quality assurance, and operational guidelines. Laboratories are required to obtain a CLIA certificate appropriate for the complexity of the tests they perform, thereby ensuring that all labs meet minimum quality standards.

Other options suggest variations or incorrect titles that do not accurately represent the legislation or its purpose. For example, while "Clinical Laboratory Improvement Assessment" might suggest a focus on evaluating laboratory performance, it does not encompass the full scope and regulatory nature of the actual amendments. The term "Clinical Laboratory Integration Amendments" doesn't exist in relation to laboratory oversight, nor does "Clinical Lab Innovation Approval," which misrepresents the regulatory framework established by CLIA.