WHAT IS LABORATORY CERTIFICATION?
Laboratory Certification is the process by which a third party gives written assurance and recognition that a laboratory is conforming to specified requirements.

In Guyana, laboratories are certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards to the National Laboratory Standard, GYS 170, “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory”. This standard allows the laboratory to develop a comprehensive laboratory management system which will facilitate the issuing of accurate, reliable and consistent test results from laboratories.

BENEFITS
Laboratory Certification—a recognition of testing performance

Laboratory Certification is a means of determining the performance of laboratories conducting testing, measurement and calibration. It provides formal recognition that a laboratory has implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing a ready means to customers to identify and select reliable testing, measurement and calibration services, to meet their needs.

To maintain this recognition, laboratories are re-evaluated periodically by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards to ensure that there is continual compliance with the requirements and to check that their standard of operation is being maintained. The laboratory may also be required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programmes between reassessments, as a further demonstration of technical performance.

Laboratory Certification—a bench-mark for performance

Laboratory Certification benefits laboratories by allowing them to determine whether they are executing their work procedures correctly and to appropriate standards. It provides them with a bench mark for maintaining the laboratory management system and improving the laboratory’s services.

Laboratory Certification will also show that the testing laboratory will:

* Be able to monitor its Quality Assurance Activities.

* Build capacity and eventually attain the status of an accredited laboratory.

* Provide evidence that it is conforming to a National OR International Standard that is recognised.

* Be technically competent to conduct testing and produce credible results.

What standard is used for Laboratory Certification?

The Guyana Standard, GYS 170:2003, “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory”, specifies the requirements for implementing a laboratory management system in laboratories.

In Guyana, laboratories must be certified to the National Laboratory Standards to ensure that results are accurate and reliable. Credible results will facilitate the acceptance of products and services tested by these laboratories nationally and internationally.

For more information, please contact

Guyana National Bureau of Standards

At Flat 15 Sophia Exhibition Complex

On Telephone Nos. 219-0062, 219-0067, 219-0065

E-mail:gnbs@networksgy.com