The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University, has been awarded NABL accreditation under ISO 15189:2012 standards for medical laboratories by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
This prestigious accreditation recognizes the laboratory’s ongoing commitment to quality, accuracy, and excellence in diagnostic services and research. The VRDL has played a crucial role in viral disease surveillance and diagnostics, particularly during critical periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Gopal Nath, Principal Investigator, underlined the significant contribution of the laboratory in catering to the needs of patients in the Purvanchal region. He informed that the laboratory conducted around 9 lakh tests during Covid 19 pandemic. He said that the lab has also carried out around 8000 tests regarding Dengue, Covid, Japanese encephalitis and others in the past one and half years. He credited the contribution of Prof. Pradyot Prakash (Co-Principal Investigator), along with the dedicated efforts of the entire scientific and technical team for this shining accomplishment. The team comprises Dr. Sudhir Kumar Singh, Dr. Alka Shukla, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Dr. Mayank Gangwar, Mr. Deepak Kumar, Mrs. Sonam Rastogi, Mr. Digvijay Singh, Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Mr. Ashish R. Singh, and Mr. Ajay Kumar.
The NABL accreditation reinforces IMS-BHU's unwavering dedication to upholding international standards in laboratory diagnostics and public health services. BHUs VRD laboratory is the only government facility of its kind to have received the NABL accreditation. The tests conducted at NABL accredited labs are valid and accepted globally.
Congratulating the team members of the VRDL, Prof. S.N. Sankhwar, Director, Institute of Medical Sciences, expressed happiness over the laboratory receiving NABL accreditations. He stated that the laboratory has been making remarkable strides in serving the cause of public health by constantly upgrading its facilities and infrastructure, reflecting the commitment of IMS.
