SLAB launches scheme to assure reliability in medical tests

A scheme for Accreditation of Medical Laboratories to assure competence and reliability in Medical/Clinical Testing has been launched by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB). This accreditation is based on a Standard for Quality and Competence of Medical Laboratories, ISO 15189, which is now accepted worldwide as the basis for attestation of competence of medical laboratories.

Reliability of medical test reports issued by a large number of medical/clinical laboratories is a matter of concern to the medical professionals, clinicians and the people who use these services.

Making a choice of a laboratory that will give you a reliable test report is a difficult task. Wrong choice of a laboratory and erroneous or inaccurate reports may have adverse consequences and even result in fatality. Accreditation of medical laboratories by SLAB provides an effective framework for assuring reliability in medical testing and assists medical professionals and people to select a reliable testing service.

Accredited Laboratory gives an assurance to the user that the test results could be relied upon.

In granting accreditation, SLAB looks into all aspects of the medical testing process commencing with clinician's request for a test upto the point of issue of the test report to the patient and the clinician. Validity of test methods, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, system maintenance and customer care are some of the details assessed in the process.

Certification of Medical Laboratories to other standards particularly ISO 9001 does not provide assurance of competence and reliability of test results. Several medical laboratories have already applied for SLAB accreditation and have been assessed by trained professionals in laboratory medicine.

SLAB expects to announce the accredited laboratories within the next month which would enable the medical professionals and the people to make a considered choice of a reliable Medical Laboratory.