Private labs can apply for NABL approval for TrueNat/CBNAAT based covid testing: ICM

This is primarily to ensure high-quality testing and ensure correct interpretation of test results

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has written to all states/UTs saying that all private laboratories in their state who intend to initiate TrueNat/CBNAAT based testing for COVID19 should be encouraged to immediately apply for NABL accreditation to ensure quality testing.

Dr GS Toteja, Additional Director General, ICMR has written to all private laboratories in all states and Union Territories saying that who intend to initiate TrueNat/CBNAAT based testing for COVID-19 should be encouraged to immediately apply for NABL accreditation to ensure quality testing in their lab.

This is primarily to ensure high-quality testing and ensure correct interpretation of test results. Many of the labs are doing this test for the first time. Given this, it is prudent to comply with NABL norms and obtain accreditation of private labs. This will also help in improving the overall quality of private labs in your state, read the letter.

Toteja, in his letter, said, “I also wish to emphasise that in the backdrop of the COVID crisis, NABL has established expedited approval mechanisms with fast-track approvals being granted within seven days.”

However, the need to augment testing for COVID-19 in the current situation is well understood, he added.

The letter further read, Given this, all private laboratories in your state who intend to initiate TrueNat/CBNAAT based testing for COVID-19 should be encouraged to immediately apply for NABL accreditation. All the labs who have applied can reach out to ICMR with a copy of their NABL application.

ICMR will provide expedited approval for TrueNat/CBNAAT subject to NABL approval, which can be submitted within a maximum period of four weeks from the date of approval, stated the letter.