The Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) has endorsed the National Dosimetry Laboratory (NDL) in the scope optic and radiometry.
SADCAS, a subsidiary organization of SADC, the first multi economy accreditation body in the world, was incorporated in Botswana in December 2005 and subsequently launched in April 2009 following its set up in 2008.
Through this accreditation, NDL has been granted the unique accreditation number, TEST-7 0001, indicating the laboratory is now accredited in the scope of optics and radiometry.
The laboratory plays an integral role in improving the consistency of dosimetry used in radiation medicine and other applications of ionizing radiation.
Dosimetry is a precise art of measurement to determine the dose or the amount of radiation energy deposited in a unit mass of matter, such as the cancer cells of a cancer patient.
In addition, the laboratory is responsible for the monitoring of radiation amongst personnel who work with nuclear sources.
Maureen Mutasa, the Chief Executive Officer at SADCAS, said with this accreditation the world now has confidence in the work carried out by the NDL. Mutasa was speaking during the certificate handover ceremony.
“The NDL has been accredited in the scope of optics and radiometry and the operation of laboratory quality management system in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, a guarantee for reliable, accurate and comparable results,” she said.
Mutasa added that this will help safeguard the health and safety of the public and environment.
The certificate is valid for five years until 27 January 2018. SADCAS will undertake periodic surveillance assessments throughout validity period of the certificate.
SADCAS so far has accredited three facilities in Botswana namely BOBS, Industrial Metrology Unit, Lamworld Technologies.
Through this accreditation Botswana has already started offering its services to other countries, such as Seychelles and Uganda.
