Coverage of the Accreditation Order
- Applies to both government and non-government veterinary diagnostic laboratories offering diagnostic services to the livestock industry.
Legal Requirements for Accreditation
- Applicants must be registered business entities (SEC/DTI/ECC/Mayor's Permit).
- Laboratory buildings must have a Standards Compliance Certificate per DA-Administrative Order No. 6, s2004.
- Government laboratories (including those in universities and colleges) must be official parts of their organizational structures with plantilla and required documentation.
- Private and non-government university laboratories comply with the same registration and building certification requirements.
Minimum Technical Requirements for Private and Government Laboratories
- Accreditation applies to entire laboratories and specific test services.
- Essential application documents include:
- Laboratory design/floor plan
- Personnel complement detailing qualifications and licenses
- Laboratory protocols
- List of equipment
- Infection control and disposal provisions
- Service offerings and charges
Re-classification and Minimum Capabilities for DA Laboratories
- DA Regional Animal Diagnostic Laboratories re-classified based on performance, records, organizational structure, and personnel qualifications into:
- Sub-national laboratories
- Regional laboratories
- Provincial/satellite laboratories
- Minimum testing capabilities for each class include:
- Post-mortem examinations (necropsy, histopathology)
- Bacterial and fungal isolation
- Antimicrobial sensitivity testing
- Agglutination and serological tests
- Parasitologic examinations
- Viral isolation using embryonated eggs or tissue cultures
- Scope varies slightly with smaller satellite labs having fewer required tests.
Equipment Requirements
- Equipment standards depend on the laboratory's accreditation class.
- DA regional and satellite labs follow equipment lists as per BAI Circular No. 3, 1990.
Personnel Requirements
- Minimum staff comprised of:
- 1 Veterinarian
- 2 Laboratory Technicians
- 1 Laboratory Aide
- 1 Utility Worker/Janitor
Laboratory Animal Facilities
- Animal housing must comply with Animal Welfare Act standards (RA 8485, 1998).
- Applicants must secure a Certificate of Registration from the Animal Welfare Division, BAI.
Validity and Enforcement of Accreditation
- Accreditation is valid for three (3) years.
- BAI may conduct spot inspections during this period.
- Suspension, withholding, or cancellation of accreditation may occur for non-compliance.
Fees Associated with Accreditation
- Application Fee: PhP 100.00
- Accreditation Fee: PhP 2,500.00
- Renewal Fee: PhP 1,500.00
Implementation and Oversight
- The Philippine Animal Health Center of the BAI is responsible for overseeing implementation.
Procedures for Accreditation
- Submission of a letter of intent to the BAI.
- Inclusion of all required data and documentation as per specified sections.
- For new laboratories, full details on design, personnel, protocols, equipment, and services must be provided.
- BAI representatives conduct ocular inspection and evaluation.
- Payment of applicable fees completes the process.