Beyond Accreditation: A Deep Dive into NABL Guidelines for Unmatched Laboratory Standards

In a significant move to enhance the quality and standards of laboratories across India, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) issued crucial guidelines on March 21, 2022.

These guidelines aim to transform the infrastructure of laboratories, ensuring they meet international standards and provide reliable end-to-end solutions.

This blog will delve into the key points outlined by NABL, shedding light on the imperative aspects that laboratories need to consider for compliance and improvement.

Comprehensive Listing of Products/Services:

• Laboratories are urged to prepare a comprehensive list of all products and services they can test in their operational sector.
• This step ensures clarity and transparency about the laboratory’s testing capabilities.

NABL Accreditation for All Products and Applicable Tests:

• Laboratories are encouraged to obtain NABL accreditation for all products they test and all applicable tests for each product.
• This approach ensures that customers receive end-to-end solutions from NABL-accredited laboratories, aligning with the ease of doing business principles of the government.

Emphasis on Accurate Claim of NABL Accreditation:

• Special attention is drawn towards emphasizing that laboratories should only claim NABL accreditation for the specific scopes/tests accredited.
• Misleading claims are discouraged, and clear guidelines are provided on how laboratories should represent their NABL accreditation status.

Transparent Reporting and Display of NABL Accreditation:

• Laboratories must indicate whether each test parameter is accredited by NABL.
• Clear display of the NABL symbol and QR code on every report is mandated for transparency and authenticity.

Digitization and Automation of Processes:

• Laboratories are advised to pursue end-to-end digitization and automation of all processes to minimize manual intervention.
• IT-enabled sample receipt, testing status, result reporting, and dispatch enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Integration with NABL’s Blockchain Portal:

• Laboratories are encouraged to integrate with NABL’s blockchain portal, uploading all reports onto the platform.
• This measure enhances trust in the authenticity of lab reports and ensures confidentiality.

Ethical Practices and Adherence to Accreditation Guidelines

• Laboratories are warned against engaging in practices to influence accreditation decisions.
• Any such instances may lead to adverse categorization of the laboratory’s accreditation status.

Collaboration and Support Between Calibration and Testing Laboratories:

• Calibration laboratories are encouraged to support testing laboratories by obtaining accreditation for parameters not available in the country.

Strict Control on Resource Sharing Between Laboratories:

• Any sharing of resources between laboratories, including equipment, personnel, and CRM, will be dealt with seriously.

Prompt Reporting and Communication with NABL:

• Laboratories are required to inform NABL promptly about any changes in staff within 15 days.
• Immediate reporting of visits by regulators and their outcomes is essential.

In adherence to these guidelines, laboratories can elevate their standards, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and transparency. As a leading provider of Proficiency Testing (PT) Programs, we understand the importance of continuous improvement. Our PT programs offer a robust framework for laboratories to enhance efficiency and overall accuracy.

Join our PT program today to embark on a journey of excellence and reliability in testing. Let’s together contribute to the transformation of laboratory infrastructure for a better and more reliable future.