The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has certified the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) under its Laboratory Certification Programme.
In a statement, the GNBS said the certificate was issued to National Public Health Laboratory for demonstrating conformance to the requirements of the Guyana Standard: (GYS 170:2021) – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory.
At a ceremony in the Ministry of Heath’s Conference Hall, Brickdam, the certificate, which has a validity for two years, was formally handed over to the Laboratory Quality Manager, Aletha Quintyn.
In remarks, the Laboratory Director, Joyce Whyte-Chin, thanked her team for the effort that was made to ensure certification.
She highlighted the importance of the certification, adding that it is more than a badge of honour, but it represents a promise to the clients, partners and the wider community and signifies that the results produced are accurate and reliable and meet the highest standards of scientific and ethical data.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, congratulated the Laboratory for its achievement, and noted that the certification is not just a testament to the dedication and hard work of those in the laboratory but also a reflection of Government’s commitment to upholding quality, accuracy, and reliability in our health systems.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who was also present for the handover ceremony, described the Certification as a significant milestone that should be maintained.
Minister Anthony also underscored the importance of confidence in Laboratory work. He stated, “if diagnoses are to be made and results are issued, they must be accurate and in keeping with best practices.”
The National Public Health Reference Laboratory is the thirty-fifth laboratory to become certified under the GNBS Laboratory Certification Programme.
The Lab’s mission is to promote a healthy population by responding to public health threats through regular surveillance, diagnostic tests, innovative research and staff who are well trained to combat emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
The scope of NPHRL certification includes the testing for RPR, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Dengue, Leptospirosis and many more diseases.
Through its Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS monitors the operations of laboratories involved in testing, measurement and/ or calibration activities to ensure that they are satisfying the criteria for certification and the requirements outlined in the National Standard.
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