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 The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched a transformative initiative, the "NABL Medical Entry Level Testing (M(EL)T) Labs Programme," aimed at improving the quality practices of medical testing laboratories performing basic diagnostic tests. This move seeks to ensure greater access to quality healthcare, particularly for citizens in rural and semi-urban areas.
This voluntary scheme is designed as an independent quality assurance mechanism and does not fall under the APAC & ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). It replaces the previous entry-level scheme and introduces a revised framework emphasizing proficiency testing (PT) performance. The programme grants recognition for one cycle of three years based on satisfactory PT performance.
NABL will assess laboratory applications and grant recognition based on PT outcomes. On-site assessments will be conducted during the recognition period to ensure continued compliance.
Only tests covered under NABL-accredited PT providers will be recommended. Equipment calibration must be conducted with NABL-accredited calibration laboratories, as verified through the NABL website.
Recognition fee is Rs.15,000 for three years (excluding GST @ 18%). Surveillance charges are based on actual costs, payable via the NABL portal after assessments.
Laboratories recognized under this scheme will have their details published in NABL 900, an updated monthly document available on the NABL website, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
This initiative is expected to bring a paradigm shift in ensuring quality healthcare services reach the underserved populations of villages and small towns. By encouraging laboratories to adopt quality practices, NABL aims to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and citizens in remote areas.
A medical testing laboratory is a facility where medical tests are conducted on samples of biological materials such as blood, urine, tissue, or other bodily fluids. These tests are performed to diagnose medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, infections, or genetic disorders), monitor the progress of diseases or the effectiveness of treatments, screen for potential health issues or diseases before symptoms appear, support research and medical advancements.
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