Telangana Drugs Control Laboratory achieves NABL accreditation for chemical testing

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Drugs Control Laboratory of the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) received the 'Certificate of Accreditation' from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for chemical testing on March 20, 2024.

This accreditation, valid until March 19, 2026, underscores the laboratory's commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and precision in its testing processes.

NABL accreditation signifies that the Drugs Control Laboratory adheres to stringent quality standards, ensuring reliable and precise results.

Operating under the auspices of the Government of Telangana, the drugs control laboratory serves as the State Statutory Laboratory designated for drug testing in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Located within the directorate of drugs control administration premises in Vengal Rao Nagar, Hyderabad, the laboratory operates under the administrative purview of the director general, drugs control administration, Government of Telangana.

The laboratory's personnel, including senior scientific officers, junior scientific officers, and junior analysts, execute its mandate of ensuring analytical quality control of drugs and cosmetics manufactured within the country on behalf of the drug control administration, Government of Telangana.

The laboratory analyses drugs and pharmaceutical formulations received as samples from drugs inspectors of the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, utilising the quality control labs portal for online submission of samples and issuance of test reports.

Sub-standard drugs identified by the drugs control laboratory are made public on the official portal of the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana. In 2023, out of 4553 drug samples tested, 79 were declared sub-standard.

Additionally, the laboratory conducts analysis of drugs from various government departments, including the Telangana State Medical Services Infrastructure Development Corporation (TSMSIDC) and the police department.

Under the 'Central Sponsored Scheme,' the laboratory's infrastructure has been enhanced, equipped with advanced analytical instruments such as High Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).

The microbiology section has also been upgraded to conduct microbiological testing of drugs, including injectables and ophthalmic solutions.

NABL grants accreditation based on international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring laboratories maintain rigorous quality standards and deliver accurate results.

Following a successful audit by the NABL assessment team, the Drugs Control Laboratory received accreditation for chemical testing in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, underscoring its adherence to international quality standards.