Abu Dhabi: A new set of specifications for medical laboratories across the emirate of Abu Dhabi will ensure that their tests and assessments are carried out in a uniform manner that is internationally recognised.
Patients will therefore find it easier to use their reports when seeking treatment at health-care facilities outside the country, Dr Rehab Al Ameri, senior specialist for conformity assessment bodies at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), told Gulf News.
The specifications have been created by the QCC, which ensures the development of quality infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. They were approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council last month, and will become mandatory for all medical laboratories a year after the announcement.
“The UAE is moving towards becoming a regional hub for world-class health-care services, and these guidelines will consolidate the standards that Abu Dhabi laboratories must follow. What this means is that laboratory standards will be enhanced, and their reports and assessments will be judged as reliable by international authorities,” Dr Rehab explained.
Abu Dhabi currently has more than 50 medical laboratories, although those under public facilities are all managed by the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company as one big unit.
While the changes may not be noticeable at first glance to most residents, Dr Rehab said that operations would become streamlined.
“For example, we found that many establishments labelled as laboratories simply sourced the reports from other bigger facilities. So, the operations and functions of medical laboratories will become clearer. Also, there will be harmonised standards for the competency of the lab, and a better understanding of the role of different types of lab personnel,” she explained.
The implementation will be monitored by health-care sector regulator, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad). To that end, seminars have already been organised to educate personnel about the new requirements, and more will be held in the run-up to the deadline next year.
On the other hand, laboratories in Dubai have already been following guidelines set by the International Organisation for Standardisation, the ISO 15189, for about seven years. Similar regulations may also be eventually rolled out for medical labs across the UAE.
Efforts are also being made to standardise laboratories in other industrial sectors in Abu Dhabi. Dr Rehab said four additional sets of guidelines are being developed for other fields, including construction, environment and food and drink.
