Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital laboratory gets new ISO accreditation

As part of its efforts to provide superior healthcare, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital laboratory has been accredited with the new ISO 15189:2022 which it says reflects the laboratory’s commitment to quality, competence, and excellence in medical testing and analysis.

According to a release from the hospital yesterday, it is the only laboratory in Guyana to have been accredited the new ISO 15189:2022, by A2LA a US-based accrediting agency. The accreditation covers a wide range of areas, including Biochemistry, Immunology, Haematology, Clinical Pathology, Point of Care Testing (POCT), and Histopathology.

The release also informed that the laboratory has expanded its scope to include Histopathology testing, which includes various tissue section diagnoses and advanced methods like special staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and these are also fully accredited. This is the only lab providing Liqui prep pap smear testing also. Further, it also meets the GYS 170:2021 local standard, ensuring quality results in Serology, Urology, Microbiology, and comprehensive COVID-19 Antigen, Antibody, and PCR testing.

CEO and Laboratory Director, Dr Madhu Singh, expressed her dedication to the laboratory’s commitment to quality and excellence in laboratory services.

“By adhering to ISO 15189:2022 standards, the laboratory ensures reliable and timely test results, leading to improved diagnoses and patient outcomes. The laboratory has also established the first telepathology lab in Guyana, offering the shortest turnaround time in the region. Our histopathology can be read across the globe due to our telepathology cutting-edge equipment.”

The laboratory’s journey includes implementing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to optimise workflows and enhance test accuracy and reliability. A robust quality assurance program supports this, featuring regular internal audits, proficiency testing, and continuous staff training, the release added.