The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has introduced a transformative program known as the “NABL Medical Entry Level Testing (M(EL)T) Labs Programme.” This initiative focuses on enhancing quality procedures within medical testing labs conducting essential diagnostic tests. The objective is to increase the accessibility of quality healthcare, particularly for individuals residing in rural and semi-urban regions.
This voluntary program operates as an independent quality assurance system and is not part of the APAC & ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). It takes the place of the former entry-level program and delivers a new framework that highlights performance in proficiency testing (PT). Laboratories will receive recognition for one cycle of three years upon successful PT results.
NABL will evaluate lab applications and confer recognition based on PT outcomes, with on-site evaluations taking place throughout the recognition period to ensure ongoing compliance.
Only tests that are covered by NABL-approved PT providers will be eligible for recommendation. Equipment calibrations must be performed by NABL-accredited calibration facilities, verified via the NABL website.
The recognition fee stands at Rs.15,000 for a three-year period (excluding GST @ 18%). Surveillance fees are determined based on actual expenses and are payable through the NABL online portal following assessments.
Details of laboratories recognized under this program will be published in NABL 900, a monthly updated document accessible on the NABL website, ensuring transparency and validity.
This program promises a significant shift in delivering quality healthcare services to underserved areas, including rural villages and smaller towns. By promoting the adoption of quality practices by labs, NABL strives to narrow the gap between healthcare providers and citizens in remote locations.
A medical testing laboratory is a facility that performs medical examinations on samples such as blood, urine, tissue, or other bodily fluids. These tests help diagnose medical conditions like diabetes, infections, or genetic disorders, monitor disease progression or treatment efficacy, screen for potential health issues before symptoms manifest, and support medical research and innovations.