Mbale Clinical Research Institute (MCRI) successfully hosted the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) Assessment Team during a two-day assessment conducted from 9–10 July 2026 as part of the Institute’s journey toward ISO 15189 laboratory accreditation.
During the assessment, the SANAS team carried out a comprehensive evaluation of the laboratory’s quality management systems, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, manuals, documentation, confidentiality processes, infrastructure, equipment, staffing, and overall compliance with ISO 15189:2022 standards.
The assessment was coordinated by the Laboratory Manager with support from MCRI management, the administration team, and the Ministry of Health consultant. In preparation for the assessment, MCRI completed several key improvements, including infrastructure enhancements, laboratory safety and security upgrades, improved storage arrangements, and other compliance measures to strengthen laboratory operations.
A key highlight of the assessment was the Microbiology Culture and Sensitivity testing service. This critical component of the laboratory’s accreditation scope plays a vital role in the accurate diagnosis of bacterial infections and the ongoing fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). By determining the specific causative pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles, the laboratory generates essential data that informs evidence-based treatment decisions, supports AMR surveillance, and contributes valuable insights to regional and national antimicrobial stewardship and research efforts.
The successful completion of the assessment marked another important milestone in MCRI’s commitment to achieving international laboratory accreditation and advancing excellence in clinical research, diagnostics, and quality healthcare services.