NABL launches ‘Quality Assurance Scheme’ For Basic Composite Medical Laboratories

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NABL has launched the “Quality Assurance Scheme for Basic Composite Medical Laboratories (Entry Level)” for the small pathology laboratories.

Reliable and accurate test results from Medical Testing Laboratories ensure correct diagnosis and facilitate treatment by clinicians. Quality in patient care will ensure health and well being of all segments of society.

In a medical testing laboratory, quality of highest standard can be demonstrated by complying with International standard ISO 15189 enabled in India through NABL Accreditation. National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent board of Quality Council of India has annon- discriminatory approach towards grant of accreditation services to calibration laboratories, testing laboratories including medical testing laboratories. It is currently granting accreditation to Medical Testing Laboratories as per ISO 15189 under ILAC MRA signatory status. Inspite of a voluntary program, NABL accreditation has gained momentum and acceptance over the years amongst regulators and end users by providing value added accreditation services.

Presently out of more than one lakh pathology and diagnostic laboratories in India, only about 1000 are accredited by NABL. Being under ILAC MRA signatory status, only these 1% laboratories enjoy international acceptance. Most of medical testing laboratories in the country are small labs undertaking routine/basic tests and very few of these have come forward for accreditation. To instillconcept of qualityin basic/small laboratories, NABL has launched ‘Quality Assurance Scheme for Basic Composite Medical Laboratories (Entry level)’ in synergy with MoHFW’s CEA guidelines published in Gazette Notification dated 18th May, 2018.

The intent of this scheme is to sensitize laboratories especially primary health care laboratories performing basic testing to quality practices and to encourage them to come forward for evaluation of their quality standards.It is also anticipated that this scheme will give a thrust to Ayushmaan Bharat scheme of Government of India.This in turn will enhance access to quality health care by majority of citizens especially those residing in villages and small towns.