Leonora Cottage Hospital Lab joins 42 GNBS-certified labs nationwide

– expects to boost diagnostic quality in Reg 3

The Leonora Cottage Hospital Comprehensive Diagnostic and Treatment Centre Laboratory has achieved certification from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to the National Standard.
The certification, awarded on Wednesday, marks an important milestone in strengthening the quality and reliability of diagnostic services in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
The certification’s scope covers biochemistry, serology, haematology and urology.
At the ceremony, Head of Corporate Communications at GNBS, Lloyd David, stated that Leonora Cottage Hospital Laboratory is the ninth laboratory within the public health sector to be certified under the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme.
This newly certified lab brings the total number of certified laboratories in Guyana to 42, comprising both testing and medical laboratories in the Public and Private Sectors.

“This [figure] will grow shortly as we’ve already received approval for two more laboratories to be certified in Region Three. With the certification of this lab, GNBS is pleased that more public laboratories are responding to its call to become certified, just as those in the Private Sector,” he added.
Other Public Sector laboratories that have achieved GNBS certification include the GPHC Medical Laboratory, GPHC Pathology Laboratory, Guyana Rice Development Board Laboratory, Guyana Water Incorporated Testing Laboratory, Guyana Livestock Development Authority Laboratory, Guyana Power and Light Laboratory, Government Forensic Science Laboratory, and the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.
David, however, encouraged the laboratory team to view the national certification as a steppingstone towards achieving international accreditation, which would further demonstrate their technical competence and enhance confidence in testing services provided.
Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Three, Dr Fiaaz Hassan, emphasised that the certificate is more than just a document; it represents a significant achievement earned through hard work, highlighting that it symbolises safety, trust, and scientific integrity.
“For this lab to be certified, it means that you have formulated standard operating procedures and you have complied with and adhered to them, which is not an easy task. Certification is something you must uphold. You must maintain the certification and all the procedures.”
The RHO also reminded the laboratory team that maintaining the implemented management system is critical to sustaining its certification.
Meanwhile, Laboratory Manager Danielle Semple explained that achieving GYS 170 certification required the team to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of their laboratory operations.
This included strengthening testing methodologies, enhancing quality control practices, ensuring the traceability and reliability of measurements, maintaining equipment to the highest standards, and demonstrating the competence and proficiency of all personnel.
She noted that the certification process not only reinforced the laboratory’s commitment to delivering accurate and reliable test results, but also strengthened its overall quality management practices and technical capabilities.