With the accreditation, granted under the latest ISO 15189:2022 standards, test reports issued by the laboratory will now be accepted internationally.
Published Jun 20, 2025 | 5:43 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 25, 2025 | 6:40 PM
The HIV Testing Laboratory functions under the Department of Microbiology.
Synopsis: The HIV Testing Laboratory at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, has received NABL accreditation, making its test reports internationally recognised. Operating under the Kerala State AIDS Control Society, the lab offers free HIV, CD4, and viral load testing without the need for referrals.
The HIV Testing Laboratory at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), with retrospective effect from 2024.
Functioning under the Kerala State AIDS Control Society, the facility offers free HIV testing services without the need for OP tickets or referrals. It also provides vital diagnostic services such as CD4 and viral load testing for HIV-positive patients, entirely free of cost.
With the accreditation, granted under the latest ISO 15189:2022 standards, test reports issued by the laboratory will now be accepted internationally.
Health Minister Veena George congratulated the medical college team for their exemplary service and commitment to public health.
The HIV Testing Laboratory functions under the Department of Microbiology, which also hosts the Regional Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) – one of only ten such centres in the country.
The VRDL is equipped with advanced RT-PCR systems capable of detecting viruses including Nipah.
To further strengthen its diagnostic capabilities, the institution is currently constructing a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory.
The NABL-accredited HIV lab team is led by Principal Dr Sajith Kumar and Head of Microbiology Dr Anitha PM. It comprises quality managers, medical officers, counsellors, and laboratory technicians – all playing a key role in maintaining high standards in patient care and diagnostics.
