BHFS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 48

: The title is "Classification of Clinical Laboratories Based on Institutional Character."
: It amends Section 5.2 of Administrative Order No. 59, s. 2001 which covers the Rules and Regulations Governing the Establishment, Operation and Maintenance of Clinical Laboratories in the Philippines.
: An institution-based laboratory is a laboratory that operates within the premises and as part of an institution such as a hospital, multi-specialty clinics, schools, or medical facilities for overseas workers and seafarers.
: A freestanding laboratory is one that operates outside the premises of an institution and operates independently.
: The original classifications were hospital-based laboratories, which operate within a hospital, and non-hospital based laboratories, which operate on their own.
: The purpose was to provide a more comprehensive and appropriate classification of clinical laboratories suited to the prevailing setting.
: No. All other provisions of Administrative Order No. 59, s. 2001 remain in full force and effect.
: It was signed by Manuel M. Dayrit, M.D., MSc, Secretary of Health.
: It was adopted on May 23, 2003.
: Examples include hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, schools, and medical facilities for overseas workers and seafarers.