.jpg)
What is Laboratory Certification?
Laboratory Certification is the process by which a third party gives written assurance and recognition that a laboratory is conforming to specified requirements. In Guyana, laboratories are certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to the National Laboratory Standard, GYS 170: 2009 “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory”. This standard allows the laboratory to develop a comprehensive laboratory management system which will facilitate the delivery of accurate, reliable and consistent test results.
Laboratory Certification is a means of determining the performance of laboratories that are involved in conducting testing, measurement and calibration activities. It provides formal recognition that a laboratory has implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing a ready means for customers to identify and select reliable testing, measurement and calibration services to meet their needs.
To maintain this recognition, laboratories are re-evaluated periodically by the GNBS to ensure that there is continual compliance with the requirements and to verify that their standard of operation is being maintained. Laboratories may also be required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programmes between re-assessments, as a further demonstration of technical performance.
Laboratory Certification – A benchmark for performance
Laboratory Certification benefits laboratories by allowing them to determine whether they are performing their procedures correctly and to conform to the requirements of appropriate standards. It provides them with a benchmark for maintaining the laboratory management system and improving laboratory services.
The GYS: 170 standard implemented by laboratories is divided into three main sections: Management requirements, Safety requirements and Technical requirements.
Management requirements
This section outlines requirements necessary to manage the laboratory’s operations efficiently. The key elements within this section include: Quality system, Organisation, subcontracting of tests, Document control, Purchasing of services and supplies, Addressing complaints, Control of non-conformances, Testing, Quality assurance reviews, and Management reviews.
Safety requirements
This section provides requirements for safety in the laboratory. The laboratory is required to implement basic safety policies and procedures to ensure its environment is safe for all.
Technical requirements
This section provides technical requirements necessary for technical operations of the laboratory. These requirements will enable the laboratory to perform tests that are recognized and produce accurate, reliable and consistent test results.
The key elements in this section help the laboratory to efficiently monitor and manage: Personnel, Accommodation, Environmental Conditions and equipment, Measurement traceability, Test methods, the quality of test results, Control of data, Sampling, Handling of test items, and Reporting of results.
In Guyana, laboratories must be certified to the National Laboratory Standards to ensure that results are accurate and reliable. Credible results received from certified laboratories will allow medical practitioners, health professionals and other stakeholders to provide a consistently high quality of service to their customers.
Laboratory Certification is the process by which a third party gives written assurance and recognition that a laboratory is conforming to specified requirements. In Guyana, laboratories are certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to the National Laboratory Standard, GYS 170: 2009 “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory”. This standard allows the laboratory to develop a comprehensive laboratory management system which will facilitate the delivery of accurate, reliable and consistent test results.
Laboratory Certification is a means of determining the performance of laboratories that are involved in conducting testing, measurement and calibration activities. It provides formal recognition that a laboratory has implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing a ready means for customers to identify and select reliable testing, measurement and calibration services to meet their needs.
To maintain this recognition, laboratories are re-evaluated periodically by the GNBS to ensure that there is continual compliance with the requirements and to verify that their standard of operation is being maintained. Laboratories may also be required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programmes between re-assessments, as a further demonstration of technical performance.
Laboratory Certification – A benchmark for performance
Laboratory Certification benefits laboratories by allowing them to determine whether they are performing their procedures correctly and to conform to the requirements of appropriate standards. It provides them with a benchmark for maintaining the laboratory management system and improving laboratory services.
The GYS: 170 standard implemented by laboratories is divided into three main sections: Management requirements, Safety requirements and Technical requirements.
Management requirements
This section outlines requirements necessary to manage the laboratory’s operations efficiently. The key elements within this section include: Quality system, Organisation, subcontracting of tests, Document control, Purchasing of services and supplies, Addressing complaints, Control of non-conformances, Testing, Quality assurance reviews, and Management reviews.
Safety requirements
This section provides requirements for safety in the laboratory. The laboratory is required to implement basic safety policies and procedures to ensure its environment is safe for all.
Technical requirements
This section provides technical requirements necessary for technical operations of the laboratory. These requirements will enable the laboratory to perform tests that are recognized and produce accurate, reliable and consistent test results.
The key elements in this section help the laboratory to efficiently monitor and manage: Personnel, Accommodation, Environmental Conditions and equipment, Measurement traceability, Test methods, the quality of test results, Control of data, Sampling, Handling of test items, and Reporting of results.
In Guyana, laboratories must be certified to the National Laboratory Standards to ensure that results are accurate and reliable. Credible results received from certified laboratories will allow medical practitioners, health professionals and other stakeholders to provide a consistently high quality of service to their customers.
For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 2190062 or visit the GNBS Website: www. gnbsgy.org
