Dr Balwant Singh Hospital laboratory receives international accreditation
The Dr Balwant Singh Hospital laboratory is now the first laboratory on the continent of South America to receive international ISO 15189 Accreditation from the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). The laboratory received its accreditation on September 27.
Executive Director of the GNBS, Candelle Bostwick (left) and GNBS Conformity Assessment Head Rodlyn Semple
ISO 15189 can be used by medical laboratories in developing their quality management systems and assessing their own competence. Laboratory customers, regulating authorities and accreditation bodies can also use it for confirming or recognising the competence of medical laboratories.
Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr Madhu Singh, at a press conference on Friday said the process was a long but rewarding one. She said the hard work towards accreditation began some two years ago with technical guidance from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).
Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Madhu Singh
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the GNBS, Candelle Bostwick, congratulated the hospital on achieving the milestone and urged other institutions to get on board. She said the accreditation would allow the laboratory to have its test results recognised internationally, hence paving the way for health tourism.
“It is a milestone for this laboratory and this hospital because it is the first hospital in Guyana with an accredited laboratory so when you visit this hospital you have the full package. The doctors will use an accredited facility to diagnose your ailment or condition. An accreditation provides confidence in the results issued and A2LA is an accreditation body that is internationally recognised,” Bostwick said.
Additionally, GNBS Conformity Assessment Head, Rodlyn Semple said that the body serves as the national accreditation focal point and provided technical assistance to the hospital while noting that accreditation is crucial.
“Accreditation is a step higher than certification and is entirely voluntary. It has to be done through regional or international bodies. A few laboratories in Guyana have received ISO certification from Regional Caribbean bodies. Dr Balwant Singh Hospital Laboratory is the first laboratory to have achieved ISO accreditation from an international body. Dr Balwant Singh Hospital Laboratory is the first institution to have achieved A2LA accreditation in South America,” Laboratory Quality Manager, Gajendran said.
A2LA is a non-profit public service internationally recognised accreditation body in the US that offers laboratory related accreditation services.
