Ways to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Everyone can help our country control the COVID-19 pandemic, from following government guidelines on wearing face mask and face shield to handwashing, maintaining physical distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. These simple health practices can reduce the likelihood of getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes coronavirus disease or COVID-19, and prevent it from spreading to other people.
Identifying its source using laboratory testing can also be done to identify high-risk areas that could help authorities make a sound judgement on where to direct their efforts in curbing down the virus’ spread.
Testing of human samples is used to identify the presence of the virus in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Furthermore, population-wide testing or mass screening, and screening of travelers are also in place before exiting or entering a country. Hence, the reliability of test results is vital to ensure that patients will receive the appropriate treatment they need, and to isolate themselves to reduce their chances of infecting others.
What is a Trusted Medical Laboratory?
Medical laboratories providing services for testing the COVID-19 virus must be able to demonstrate their competence to deliver timely, accurate, and reliable results.
To demonstrate the quality and reliability of their services, medical laboratories can seek accreditation to ISO 15189 (particular requirements for quality and competence of medical laboratories) — an internationally recognized standard that contains the requirements necessary for diagnostic laboratories.
The standard covers the essential elements for medical laboratories to demonstrate the quality and competence of their services as well as to consistently deliver technically valid test or “examination” results.
ISO 15189 was developed with strong involvement from the medical, scientific, and clinical communities. It is used by medical laboratories to foster a culture of continuous improvement by developing their management systems and maintaining their technical competence. This standard is also used by accreditation bodies to confirm or recognize the competence of these laboratories.
In the Philippines, the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) is the national accreditation body that is mandated to accredit inspection, testing (including medical testing), certifying bodies, and other bodies offering conformity assessment services.
PAB-Accredited Medical Testing Laboratory with Scope on RT-PCR Test
On July 09, 2021, DTI-PAB approved the Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test as an added scope of accreditation of Hi-Precision Diagnostic Inc., Main Branch in Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City – one of its accredited medical testing laboratories to ISO 15189. RT-PCR test is a type of molecular diagnostic test designed to check the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Hi-Precision Diagnostic Inc., Main Branch in Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City is the first medical testing laboratory accredited by DTI-PAB to ISO 15189 with RT-PCR test for COVID-19.
It has been accredited by DTI-PAB since 2013, with accredited scopes on bacteriology, parasitology, serology of infection, detection and characterization of microbial DNA/RNA, immunohematology, hematology, general chemistry, immunology, drug testing, and molecular biology. The laboratory’s additional scope of accreditation on RT-PCR for COVID-19 proves its dedication to continuously provide quality services and reliable results.
DTI-PAB hopes that other laboratories will also be encouraged to seal their services with quality through accreditation.
To know more about DTI-PAB’s accreditation services and the list of its accredited Medical Testing Laboratories; Testing and Calibration Laboratories; Inspection Bodies; and Certification Bodies, please visit our website at www.dti.gov.ph/pab.
Release Date: 01 October 2021.