The SAS represents a large group of autonomous centres working together to provide the highest possible diagnostic service within the areas of its expertise. This is based upon both analytical skills and also consultative clinical back up.

The organisation was initiated in 1974 by the Department of Health recognising that there were particular investigations which, by their nature or requesting frequency, were best suited to being undertaken in designated centres of excellence. The SAS continues to grow with the number of centres now past thirty. These are organised into a number of Groups, each with its own reporting mechanisms, Chairperson and Secretary. These report to the Committee of Directors which meets to consider operational matters and provides updates across the SAS on current advances. In turn this reports to the Management Executive which considers the wider issues of SAS function, such as overall strategy and performance and is composed of the Sub-Group Chairpersons and external members, representing users, Royal Colleges and Government.

We only exist because our colleagues want us, as evidenced by our increasing workload. Any comments and ideas to increase our usefulness to the clinical diagnostic community are most gratefully received.

Sponsors

Roche Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter

Abbott

Thermo Fisher Scientific

IDS