The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) on October 15, 2026, issued Document No. NABL 238, Issue 1, prescribing the criteria for obtaining and maintaining recognition under the Integrated Quality Assurance Scheme for laboratories operating within the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) network. The scheme is a joint initiative of NABL and NACO for laboratories at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) centres, Designated STI/RTI Clinics (DSRCs) and equivalent facilities. It is an independent recognition scheme and does not constitute ISO 15189 accreditation under APAC or Global ACI mutual recognition arrangements.
Applicant laboratories must demonstrate satisfactory Proficiency Testing (PT) performance, preferably through a NABL-accredited PT programme within the six months preceding application, or through a higher-tier NACO laboratory where applicable. The recognised scope must include rapid diagnostic tests for HIV and syphilis under Infectious Disease Serology. Laboratories must submit applicable fees, equipment calibration evidence and, where operating under a public-private partnership with NACO/SACS, a copy of the PPP arrangement. Recognition is granted for three years per cycle. Laboratories must continue PT or Inter-Laboratory Comparison participation, comply with applicable legal requirements, and undergo at least one surveillance assessment during the recognition period. Changes to premises, legal identity or other significant operational details must be reported to NABL within the prescribed 30-day period.
NABL may conduct announced surveillance and unannounced assessments, reduce the recognised scope where PT/ILC performance is unsatisfactory, or take adverse action, including suspension or de-recognition, for non-compliance. Recognised laboratories may use the prescribed recognition symbol only for approved tests at recognised premises and must not claim to be NABL-accredited laboratories. The document also sets out application and maintenance requirements, fee provisions and a compliance checklist in its annexures.
[NABL 238, Issue No. 01]
