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 In a move to boost transparency and reliability in laboratory testing and calibration, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has urged all accredited laboratories to implement QR code systems on all test reports and calibration certificates.
This directive comes in alignment with guidelines issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to improve the overall quality and standard of laboratories across the country.
NABL has urged all Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to integrate QR codes on every test report containing accredited parameters--whether the reports are for internal or external customers. This initiative aims to empower end users to instantly verify the authenticity of lab reports using any QR scanning application.
The QR code to be used includes a direct link to the laboratory’s NABL accreditation certificate and scope. In addition to the NABL-issued QR code, laboratories are also required to generate and display a second QR code on each test report. This second code must encapsulate the complete authorized test report or calibration certificate, enabling customers to retrieve and confirm report details online.
This dual QR code system is designed to prevent the manipulation of test results and block the circulation of fake reports in the market. “By enabling real-time authentication, we are safeguarding not only the interests of the consumer but also upholding the reputation and credibility of accredited laboratories,” NABL stated in its announcement.
Further enhancing the integrity of the system, laboratories must upload test reports and calibration certificates to a blockchain portal via the NABL web portal. While NABL ensures full confidentiality of these uploads, the organization does not have access to the reports, reinforcing the system’s transparency and protecting proprietary data.
NABL has provided a clear guide for laboratories to display the official QR code on every test report and calibration certificate: Access the QR code provided on the NABL Accreditation Certificate. Open the certificate and use the Windows "Snipping Tool" to capture the QR code. Affix this QR code to all test reports/calibration certificates issued by the lab.
With the widespread implementation of this system, stakeholders including industry clients, regulatory bodies, and end users, can now confidently rely on the authenticity of laboratory results.
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