International recognition for SLAB accredited test reports

The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (SLAB) has been admitted as a signatory to the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) of Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (APLAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC). Through these arrangements SLAB Accredited Test Reports and Certificates will be internationally accepted and recognized as equivalent to accredited test reports and certificates issued in other countries, facilitating market access for Sri Lankan products.

Medical professionals, clinicians and patients will be able to obtain accredited medical test reports with an assurance of high reliability and accuracy. The Medical/Clinical Laboratories accredited by SLAB based on ISO 15189 will be recognized and accepted internationally. Accreditation assures technical competence and reliability of reports issued by the laboratories.There are increasing concerns in the health sector regarding the reliability of test results issued by the Medical/Clinical testing Laboratories. Reliability and quality of such services offered to the community is assured through internationally recognized accreditation.

The accreditation scheme for medical laboratories of SLAB, with recognition from ILAC and APLAC, will contribute to the quality improvement and enhance the recognition of healthcare systems in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board is the National Accreditation authority for Sri Lanka and functions as an autonomous body under the Science and Technology Ministry.

The SLAB commenced its operations in 2006 and is now geared to provide accreditation services with international recognition to laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies.

Five medical laboratories and 21 testing laboratories have been accredited so far by SLAB under the accreditation schemes.

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