IN the last few years, our country’s healthcare sector has been rapidly expanding to meet the needs of a growing population. With this growth comes the establishment of multiple medical laboratories, certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to guarantee accurate and reliable results.

One of those laboratories certified by the GNBS is the Oxford Medical Centre Laboratory (OMCL). Established in 2023 by naturalised Guyanese, Yukun Zhang Feihu, this relatively new facility is located at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown and provides tests in the areas of Hematology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Serology and Urology.

Operations Officer at the laboratory, Joel Doodnauth, noted that the facility was established to reduce the waiting time for medical testing and to strengthen the diagnostic services in the country.

“By establishing its laboratory, the Oxford Medical Centre contributes to these national objectives, aiming to enhance early diagnosis, improve patient care, and support the overall strengthening of Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure,” he noted.

Shortly after its establishment, the laboratory approached the GNBS to pursue certification to the National Standard, GYS 170:2021 – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory.

According to Mr. Doodnauth, the laboratory decided to pursue certification to demonstrate its ability to provide accurate results.

Implementing the standard which deals with a Laboratory Management System, allows the laboratory to “exhibit the best practices by ensuring consistency, reliability and quality to all customers,” he said, adding that the “certification enhances the operational standards and credibility of the OMC Laboratory.”

The OMC Laboratory was officially certified by the GNBS on December 13, 2024.

The lab’s Operations Officer said while the certification process was tedious, it was a rewarding experience, “as it gave insight into the overlooked areas of operations that silently play an integral role in sample processing, document management and result reporting.”

The Laboratory Certification Programme of the GNBS provides crucial support and guidance to staff of medical and testing laboratories to streamline their lab operations to fulfil the requirements of the National Standard. Additionally, the support provided by the GNBS Technical Officers has allowed some medical facilities to attain international certification.

Mr. Doodnauth noted that the programme provided recognition for the facility and served as a stepping-stone for collaborations with public and private organisations. Further, complying with regulatory requirements in accordance with the National Standard has improved confidence in the results provided to the customers.

Upon certifying new laboratories, they receive a plaque and a certificate from the GNBS to display for their customers.

Mr. Doodnauth said the certificate led to many referrals to the facility.

“Insurance agencies and companies in the Oil and Gas sector favours a certified laboratory as it shows compliance to some quality standard. Futuristically, there are plans to seek ISO certification, which will couple with the existing certification and better demonstrate our capabilities and competence for reliable and quality service,” he highlighted.

Finally, he encourages other laboratories that are not yet certified to join the GNBS Certification programme. (Submitted by GNBS)