The Department of Trade and Industry through the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) affirmed its support to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute’s (DOST-PTRI) Medical Textile Testing Center Project.
On 24 June 2022, during the inauguration of the PTRI’s Medical Textile Testing Center (PMTTC) and its Microbiological Testing Laboratory, PAB Director Engr. James E. Empeño expressed his excitement over the contribution of the project to specific sectors in the country.
“We are certain that this project will benefit our PPE manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and our colleagues in the government, as tests for medical safety regulations may no longer have to be sent to foreign laboratories…,” said Dir. Empeño.
Dir. Empeño also thanked the institute for being an active partner of the Department of Trade and Industry in several projects where they are extending their expertise in research and development, and quality assurance, particularly on personal protective equipment.
The new equipment and capabilities of the PMTTC are expected to ensure the safety of materials and products used in the health and hygiene sectors through standard compliance to provide industry confidence and competitiveness.
PTRI is known for its commitment to global excellence that is why it is not surprising that its chemical and mechanical testing laboratories are currently accredited by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau on ISO/IEC 17025. This accreditation denotes that these laboratories are demonstrating competent operations and valid results generation.
According to PTRI’s project manager, Ms. Donna A. Uldo, the completion of the project means they are now able to test up to American Society for Testing and Materials Level 3 (Protective Clothing) which includes gowns and coveralls for areas where there is high risk of fluid exposure. The establishment of local testing capabilities opens doors for more accessible and affordable accurate testing of medical textiles for the benefit of regulators, manufacturers, academe, and industry researchers.
The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) is the premier textile research and development arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Based on Executive Order No. 128 dated January 30, 1987, the institute is mandated to perform the following functions: conduct applied research and development for the textile industry sector; undertake the transfer of completed research to end-users or via linkage units of other government agencies, and undertake technical services and provide training programs.
Release Date: 28 June 2022