ICMR asks states to encourage pvt labs for NABL 

In a letter, Additional Director General of ICMR Dr G S Toteja said, many of the labs are doing this test for the first time and in view of this, it is prudent to comply with NABL norms and obtain accreditation of private labs.

The letter stated that ICMR, so far, has included a mandatory criterion for obtaining National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) acreditation for all COVID-19 testing private laboratories, including those with TrueNat and CBNAAT platforms. The letter said, this is primarily to ensure quality testing and ensure correct interpretation of test results.

ln view of this, it is prudent to comply with NABL norms and obtain accreditation of private labs.It said, this will  also help in improving the overall quality of private labs in states.

Dr Toteja emphasised that in the backdrop of COVID-19 crisis, NABL has established an expedited approval mechanism with fast-track approval being granted within seven days. However, the need to augment testing for COVID-19 in the current situation is well understood. ICMR is committed to support all states in ramping up testing.