The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) works with Laboratory Professionals to certify Clinical and Testing Laboratories to the national standard GYS 170 – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory. These professionals work with Technical Officers of the GNBS to develop comprehensive management systems, which facilitate the delivery of accurate and reliable test results. The Bureau also assists laboratories implement the requirements of the National Standard GYS 235 – General requirements for Safety in laboratories.
During the week of April 23 to April 29, 2023, the focus is on Medical Laboratory Professionals as the GNBS joins those within the health sector to celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week under the theme: “Laboratory Professionals – The Future is Lab”. The Bureau lauds the work of these professionals who are an integral part of the healthcare system. They provide crucial information and services that contribute to the effective delivery of care to citizens and visitors.
On this occasion of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, the GNBS takes the opportunity to specifically recognize the contributions of Laboratory Professionals including Quality Managers, Supervisors and Technicians who work in certified laboratories countrywide. A list of these certified laboratories can be found on the GNBS’ website: https://gnbsgy.org/certification/lab-certification/. The Bureau encourages other laboratories to pursue certification to the GYS 170 National Standard which provides tremendous benefits.
The GYS 170 standard specifies requirements applicable to all laboratories regardless of the number of personnel or the extent of the scope of testing activities. It offers laboratories guidance to develop their quality, administrative and technical systems that govern their operations. Certification to the standard assures doctors, patients, insurance companies and other clients that test results provided are reliable and accurate.
Professionals working in certified laboratories are collectively responsible for maintaining conformance of their laboratory systems to the national standard. To ensure this, the GNBS sporadically conducts audits during the two-year period of certification. These audits include checks to ensure instruments are calibrated, trained staff are employed, customer requirements are being met, and Standard Operating Procedures are being maintained.
Meanwhile, the GYS 235 – General requirements for Safety in Laboratories standard is applicable to any laboratory implementing and maintaining an Occupational Safety and Health Management System; and which aims to conform with its stated safety policy. The standard specifies the general requirements for a laboratory safety management system, which will enable a laboratory to formulate its policy and objectives, taking into account legislative requirements and information about significant risks. It is quite essential and addresses safety in the facility by protecting laboratory professionals and others, whose health and safety may be affected by the activities of the laboratory that pose potential risks.
Finally, with the support of the GNBS, medical laboratories are also looking towards accreditation to international standards. The ISO/IEC 15189 – General requirements for the competence of medical laboratories standardconforms or recognizes the competence of medical laboratories by users of the facilities, regulatory authorities and accreditation bodies. Laboratory professionals employed by internationally accredited laboratories enjoy the prestige of working in facilities which offer services that are deemed second to none.
The GNBS continues to proudly support the work of medical laboratory professionals with standards through its certification, training and technical assistance programmes. This ensures that those requiring the services offered by medical laboratories receive accurate and reliable test results.
To get your laboratory certified or to learn more about any of our services, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 219-0066, WhatsApp 692-4627 or visit the GNBS website: www. gnbsgy.org
