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Laboratory
Accreditation, 7 October 2005
Accreditation
Laboratory accreditation is a procedure by which an
authoritative body gives formal recognition of technical competence for
specific test(s)/ measurement(s), based on third party assessment and
following international standard.
Assures the client that the procedures are technically
valid
 Recognizes
the technical competence of laboratory staff
Assures
the client that the results are technically valid
Endorses
the quality management system
Certification
Procedure by which a third-party (certification body)
gives a written assurance that a product, process or service (of an
organisation) conforms to specified requirements.
Specified
requirements - ISO 9000 series;
Assures
the client that the organisation has in place an effective quality or
environmental management system
Does
not confer technical credibility of the test result
Some Benefits of Laboratory
Accreditation
Provides
formal recognition to competent laboratories and ensures that they perform their work in accordance
with international standard.
Minimizes
the risk of unreliable results.
Minimizes
the chances of retesting and hence reduces chances of additional financial
burden and time delays.
Enhances
Customer confidence and Satisfaction.
International
acceptability of test results. Based on Mutual Recognition Arrangements
(MRA).
This is relevant in case of insurance
coverage, placement agencies, overseas health authorities, labour department
etc.
About NABL
Government of India has authorized NABL as the
sole accreditation body for Testing and Calibration laboratories.
NABL has established its accreditation system
in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, which is followed internationally.
NABL provides laboratory accreditation
services to laboratories that are performing tests/ calibrations in accordance with ISO/ IEC
17025: 2005 (General requirements for the competence of Testing and
Calibration Laboratories).
ISO
15189:2003 (Medical laboratories- Particular requirements for quality and
competence).
Accreditation Procedure
Scope
Testing
Laboratories
 Biological
Chemical
Electrical
Electronics
Fluid-Flow
Mechanical
NDT
Medical
Forensic
Calibration
Laboratories
Electro-Technical
Mechanical
Radiological
Thermal
& Optical
Fluid-Flow
Scope: Medical
Laboratories
Clinical
Biochemistry
Clinical
Pathology
Haematology
and Immunohaematology
Microbiology
and Serology
Histopathology
Cytopathology
Genetics
Nuclear
Medicine (in-vitro tests only)
Accreditation – Voluntary or Regulatory
Currently, NABL accreditation is on voluntary
basis. NABL has conducted awareness
programmes in several locations of the country.
NABL Accreditation- Medical Testing
Several
awareness programs were conducted.
Initially,
laboratories were given subsidy in application fees
July
1998: First application for Medical testing
First
certificate issued in July 1999
Currently 57 labs are accredited and 47 are
applicant.
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