15 December, Sydney – Consumers using laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to carry out Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing for COVID-19 (SARs-CoV-2) now have added assurance and proof their test results meet global standards.
NATA has commenced providing its accredited laboratories that offer PCR COVID-19 testing in Australia a “Statement of Accreditation” which can be provided in addition to a patient’s COVID-19 test result, especially for those travelling abroad.
International travellers leaving Australia are facing a variety of conditions and testing requirements before they depart with a number of countries requiring PCR COVID-19 testing, and some specifically mandating “NATA accreditation” on results, before travellers can enter a new derestriction.
The NATA “Statement of Accreditation” provides consumers the assurance that the laboratory or facility conducting their test has been accredited for the SARS-CoV-2 testing procedure.
NATA has accredited more than 170 laboratories across the country for COVID-19 testing and already 79 laboratories have requested the NATA “Statement of Accreditation” and plan to include them with a patient’s COVID-19 test results.
Along with the PCR statements of accreditation, NATA is also offering the same stamp on results to those laboratories offering transcription mediated amplification, rapid antigen testing and serology results, the third of which is keenly sought by travellers looking to enter China.
The move comes as the delayed Australian international borders are set to open further from 15 December to allow skilled workers, students and refugees into the country.
Andrew Griffin, Sector Manager, Legal and Clinical Services at NATA said: “Since NATA started accrediting labs for SARS-CoV-2 testing, we’ve increasingly seen requests asking for proof of accreditation, so these NATA Statements of Accreditation provide the assurance of quality and competence for those delivering the results.
“Testing has never been more important in Australia as the pandemic and our response to it continues to evolve. This move provides a greater transparency for labs and for Australians to know that they can rely on the results being produced. The need for the rigour of accreditation in all areas of our lives is increasing, particularly in this specific field of testing.”
The statement of accreditation is available to all NATA accredited labs in Australia upon request, as the demand for the assurance of accreditation spreads globally.
Contact NATA for additional information on 1 800 621 666.