Written by Criteria and Procedure for NABL M(EL)T Labs Program
NABL Medical (Entry Level) Testing Laboratories {NABL M(EL)T Lab} Program is an entry
level program for medical laboratory under which laboratory shall be recognized for basic
routine tests based on the satisfactory proficiency testing (PT) performance.
This scheme is:
i. not covered under Asia Pacific Accreditation Co-operation (APAC) & International
Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC) MRA.
ii. valid for one cycle of three years.
iii. applicable only for basic routine tests as mentioned in Annexure A.
iv. based on satisfactory performance in PT programs.
The program is designed based on the Regulatory requirement called Minimum Standards for Medical Labs mandated in the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.
This program is a basic Quality Assurance Program to encourage Labs to initiate Basic Quality / Minimum Quality Standards as mandated in Minimum Standards of CEA.
The program was launched in July 2020 and amended in Jan 2021.
The amended version can be downloaded from here –
This is a Voluntary Certification program for Basic Labs in the country and is issued for one time with 3 years validity. Minimum Standards offer Minimum Quality specification and is the 1st step for any small lab to start with its Quality Journey.
Source : https://nabl-india.org/
Is it mandatory to Participate in EQA every month under this Accreditation program for the selected tests under scope?
Pls read the specification given in the MELTS Program from NABL :
The applicant laboratory shall have satisfactorily participated in Proficiency Testing (PT) program conducted by accredited PT provider as per ISO/IEC 17043 before submission of application.
Test parameters covered in last six months in PT programs shall be considered for recognition. Six months shall be calculated from date of application submission.
Date of issue of PT result / report shall be considered as date for PT participation
The laboratory shall continue participation for its scope in PT programs during
recognition period (minimum 1 PT program per year).