NABL Accreditation for Diagnostic Centres: Your
Easy Guide
What is NABL Accreditation?
NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration
Laboratories) is a government-recognized body that ensures diagnostic
centres meet strict quality standards. Achieving NABL accreditation
boosts your labs credibility, making it one of the best NABL labs in India.
It also assures patients and regulatory authorities that your lab follows
standardized, high-quality processes.

Why is NABL Accreditation Important?
- 1.Enhanced Quality Standards : Accreditation encourages
continuous improvement in lab processes. - 2.Increased Patient Trust : Patients prefer accredited labs
because they ensure accurate and reliable test results. - 3.Regulatory Compliance : NABL-accredited labs comply with
national and international regulations, including ISO
15189:2022, the global benchmark for medical laboratories.
Step-by-Step Guide to NABL Accreditation for Diagnostic
Centres:
- 1. Understand the Requirements: Start by familiarizing yourself
with NABL accreditation requirements. The key standard is ISO
15189:2022, which defines quality and competence guidelines
for medical labs. You can access these details on the NABL
website or attend ISO training sessions from experts. - 2. Prepare Your Lab for Accreditation:
- • Document Everything – Maintain records of lab
procedures, including sample collection, testing,
equipment calibration, and quality control. - • Invest in Quality Training – Enroll your team in the best
quality management training to ensure they understand
NABL guidelines. - • Calibrate Equipment Regularly – Keep all lab instruments
in top condition and replace any faulty equipment.
- • Document Everything – Maintain records of lab
- 3. Conduct an Internal Audit: Before applying, perform a self-
assessment to identify and fix any non-compliance issues. This
step prepares you for the official NABL audit. - 4. Apply for NABL Accreditation: Submit your application to NABL
along with details of the labs services and pay the necessary fees. - 5. Undergo NABL Assessment: NABL officials will visit your lab to
evaluate:- • Testing procedures
- • Staff competency
- • Equipment calibration and maintenance
- • Documentation and quality assurance
- 6. Address non-conformities: If any issues arise during the
assessment, rectify them within the given timeline. Prompt
action is essential to avoid delays in the approval. - 7. Receive Your Accreditation: Once your lab meets all NABL
standards, you will receive your accreditation certificate, valid
for two years. - 8. Maintain Accreditation Standards: NABL conducts regular
surveillance audits to ensure labs maintain quality standards.
Continuous staff training and periodic ISO training sessions help
in compliance.
Key Considerations for NABL Accreditation:
- 1. Time and Cost – The process takes several months and includes
various fees. - 2. Quality Commitment – NABL accreditation is not just a
certificate but an ongoing commitment to excellence. - 3. Expert Guidance – Consulting industry experts or attending
specialized ISO training can streamline the process.
Conclusion
Becoming an NABL-accredited lab places you among the best NABL labs
in India, ensuring trust, compliance, and growth. While the process may
seem challenging, following these steps and investing in the best quality
management training can simplify it. Keep improving quality beyond just
certification, and your lab will stand out in the industry!