The DOST-III Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) is now capable of estimating the measurement of uncertainty (MU) for microbiological testing. RSTL staff led by Nikki Dyan C. Padilla, technical manager, completed a one-day training on the procedure with reference to ISO 19036:2019-10 (Microbiology in the food chain – estimation of measurement of uncertainty for quantitative determination).
Together with microbiology laboratory technical managers and analysts from DOST regional offices in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and under the tutelage of Dr. Ena A. Bernal, Chairman of the Philippine Accreditation Bureau – Laboratory Accreditation Technical Committee (PAB-LATC) for Biological Testing under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the training was meant to familiarize the participants with the standards required by ISO 19036:2019-10 which also serves as a basis for evaluating a particular laboratory’s level of competency in performing quantitative analyses. The measurement of uncertainty in an analytical laboratory is considered to be critical in its operation as it demonstrates the measurement capability of the said laboratory.
Engr. Romeolito Tacbian, the RSTL laboratory-in-charge said that more than just a requirement for accreditation, the training is part of their commitment to provide reliable results and quality services. “Our staff are regularly sent to relevant trainings and seminars to keep them abreast of latest trends and developments in laboratory testing in order to hone their competencies and skills,” he said.
The RSTL is composed of three service laboratories which includes Physico-Chemical, Microbiological, and the Metrology and Instrumentation laboratories. Together, they provide support to the micro, small and medium enterprises (mSMEs)through analytical and testing services such as Nutrition Facts Analysis, microbiological quality of drinking water, and the calibration of temperature reading instruments. Other private businesses, government offices, schools, students and researchers also avail of these services. It is an ISO 17025:2005 accredited laboratory, meaning that its Certificate of Analysis is acceptable worldwide. It is also currently transitioning to ISO 17025:2017.