NABL Accredited Lab vs Non Accredited Lab: What Patients Should Know

Patients may not only consider the diagnostic laboratory's price and convenience but also the other factors. When deciding on health care, the quality of the testing, laboratory procedures, and reliability of the results may all play a role. If you are looking for accredited labs in Kochi, Kerala, then knowing about the NABL accreditation can help you make the right selection.

How to get NABL accreditation?

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is a national body. It gives accreditation to medical laboratories that meet recognized standards of quality and competence. NABL accreditation for medical laboratories is based on ISO 15189, which is related to the quality and competence of medical laboratory services.

Accreditation is a judgement of the competence and quality systems of the laboratory. NABL also mentions that the accreditation is not a one-time affair; regular surveillance can ensure the adherence of the standards of the accredited laboratories.

NABL Accredited Lab vs Non-Accredited Lab

An NABL-accredited laboratory that has been assessed independently by an accredited laboratory in respect of applicable accreditation requirements. This can help to build trust in the competence and quality processes in place by the laboratory.

Not all nonaccredited laboratories are unreliable laboratories. It is not, however, accredited by NABL for the scope of services. When making a decision, patients should take note of the laboratory standards, testing facilities, experience of the professionals, quality of the report, and the reputation of the laboratory.

Be aware that accreditation is given for a range of activities. Patients should not assume that all tests conducted by an accredited laboratory are automatically covered by NABL accreditation. NABL gives details on the specific scope of the accredited laboratories and their test parameters.

Why is NABL accreditation important to patients?

One of the important factors to consider while searching for the best lab in Kochi, Kerala, is accreditation. A good quality focused laboratory has procedures in place and has effective systems in place for testing and quality management.

According to NABL, accreditation is a process that gives formal recognition of competence and boosts customer confidence in the testing report.

While looking for NABL-accredited labs or NABL-accredited labs near me, one should not only consider the term "NABL" but also the scope for accreditation of the laboratory.

Choosing the Right Diagnostic Laboratory

It is important to determine before booking a test if the laboratory offers the service you require, if the specific test is within the accredited scope of their services, how easy it will be to gain access to the service, and if the report will be returned in a timely manner.

LiveLabs offers various diagnostic services and classifies its lab as an NABL-accredited lab. It also mentions laboratory testing, imaging services, and blood home collection in Kochi on its website.

Conclusion

The decision on the diagnostic laboratory to be used is an important healthcare decision. An extra level of confidence may be offered by the NABL accreditation, as it is a formal statement of competence in the laboratory to standards of acceptable competence. But the patient should also look at what type of test is being ordered, accreditation, the extent of services, quality of the service, convenience, and professional assistance before selecting a laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does NABL accreditation mean?

It is the laboratory's assessment and accreditation of its defined scope of competence and quality requirements.

2. How can I find NABL accredited labs near me?

You can search online for NABL accredited labs near you and verify the laboratory’s accreditation status and testing scope before booking a test.

3. Do non-accredited laboratories offer poor results?

Not necessarily. A laboratory that has not been accredited by NABL is not necessarily unreliable; however, it does not possess accreditation for the scope.

4. Why should I choose a laboratory that is a member of NABL?

It can enhance the laboratory's quality systems, competence, and test processes, giving added confidence.