{"id":6068,"date":"2025-04-23T11:18:26","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T11:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/?p=6068"},"modified":"2025-07-24T04:41:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T04:41:47","slug":"nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Amendments In NABL Policy For QA Testing Of Diagnostic Radiology X-Ray Equipment (NABL 136)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has issued a key amendment to its policy document NABL 136, titled \u201cSpecific Criteria for Accreditation of Quality Assurance Testing Facilities for Diagnostic Radiology X-Ray Equipment.\u201d The amendment, effective from April 4, 2025, brings significant enhancements aimed at aligning with updated regulatory requirements and ensuring improved quality assurance (QA) practices for diagnostic radiology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we\u2019ll explore what the amendment entails, why it was necessary, and how it impacts QA Testing Facilities and the broader diagnostic imaging industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#Purpose_Of_NABL_136\" >Purpose Of NABL 136<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#Whats_New_In_The_April_2025_Amendment\" >What&#8217;s New In The April 2025 Amendment?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#1_Wider_Scope_of_Accreditation\" >1. Wider Scope of Accreditation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#2_Stricter_Infrastructure_Requirements\" >2. Stricter Infrastructure Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#3_Updated_Personnel_Requirements\" >3. Updated Personnel Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#4_Enhanced_QA_Reporting_Obligations\" >4. Enhanced QA Reporting Obligations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#5_Improved_Management_Systems\" >5. Improved Management Systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#6_Test_Witnessing_Procedures\" >6. Test Witnessing Procedures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#Why_This_Amendment_Was_Needed\" >Why This Amendment Was Needed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#Who_Is_Affected\" >Who Is Affected?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#Next_Steps_For_QA_Testing_Facilities\" >Next Steps For QA Testing Facilities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/nabl-xray-qa-policy-updates\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purpose_Of_NABL_136\"><\/span>Purpose Of NABL 136<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>NABL 136 provides sector-specific criteria for accreditation of QA testing facilities involved in ensuring the performance and safety of diagnostic X-ray equipment, per ISO\/IEC 17025:2017. These facilities play a critical role in healthcare by maintaining the accuracy and safety of imaging devices used in medical diagnostics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_New_In_The_April_2025_Amendment\"><\/span>What&#8217;s New In The April 2025 Amendment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The latest amendment\u2014Amendment No. 01\u2014updates several clauses across the document. Here\u2019s a summary of the notable changes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Wider_Scope_of_Accreditation\"><\/span>1. Wider Scope of Accreditation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>QA facilities can now apply for accreditation across a broader set of diagnostic equipment, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Radiography (Fixed, Portable, Mobile, Handheld)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CT and CBCT<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mammography including Tomosynthesis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dental Imaging Systems (IOPA, OPG, RVG, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interventional Radiology &amp; Fluoroscopy units<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Stricter_Infrastructure_Requirements\"><\/span>2. Stricter Infrastructure Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More detailed infrastructure and equipment lists are now included to ensure uniform testing capabilities. This includes specific phantoms and sensors tailored to different imaging modalities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Updated_Personnel_Requirements\"><\/span>3. Updated Personnel Requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Technical staff must have a minimum of 6 months&#8217; experience and complete a certified QA training program (e.g., by BARC or an AERB-recognized institute).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roles for report reviewing and authorization must be assigned to qualified individuals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Enhanced_QA_Reporting_Obligations\"><\/span>4. Enhanced QA Reporting Obligations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facilities must retain raw data and QA reports for a minimum of 5 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any unusual findings, such as radiation leakage, must be reported to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Improved_Management_Systems\"><\/span>5. Improved Management Systems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>QA facilities are required to maintain comprehensive Quality Manuals, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), calibration protocols, and safety guidelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internal quality controls such as intra-lab comparisons and functional checks, are mandatory to validate results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Test_Witnessing_Procedures\"><\/span>6. Test Witnessing Procedures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NABL assessment teams will now verify technical competence by witnessing on-site QA tests during accreditation audits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_This_Amendment_Was_Needed\"><\/span>Why This Amendment Was Needed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The amendment was formulated based on inputs from the AERB and a technical committee to address growing complexity in radiological technologies and align with evolving regulatory and safety standards. With increasing emphasis on radiation safety and diagnostic accuracy, these changes help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improve testing consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure patient and worker safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance trust in radiological practices and equipment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_Affected\"><\/span>Who Is Affected?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This amendment impacts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Independent QA Testing Labs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers with in-house QA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OEMs and authorized suppliers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government and private health institutions seeking NABL accreditation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All such facilities must now revisit their QA protocols, documentation, staff training, and infrastructure to comply with the latest criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Next_Steps_For_QA_Testing_Facilities\"><\/span>Next Steps For QA Testing Facilities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To align with the amended NABL 136:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the amended policy document in full.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Update equipment inventory to match listed requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train technical staff as per the new qualification criteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revise SOPs and quality manuals for compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coordinate with NABL for surveillance, reassessment, or reapplication for accreditation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The April 2025 amendment to NABL 136 underscores NABL\u2019s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of diagnostic safety and performance. As diagnostic imaging continues to advance, so too must the protocols and policies that ensure its reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For QA Testing Facilities, the timely implementation of these updates will not only ensure compliance but also build trust with healthcare providers and patients alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nabl-india.org\/nabl\/file_download1.php?filename=202504040242-NABL-136-doc.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Major Amendments in NABL 136<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[You can download the official NABL Notification PDF from here]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has issued a key amendment to its policy document NABL 136, titled \u201cSpecific Criteria for Accreditation of Quality Assurance Testing Facilities for Diagnostic Radiology X-Ray Equipment.\u201d The amendment, effective from April 4, 2025, brings significant enhancements aimed at aligning with updated regulatory requirements and ensuring [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6070,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6068","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare-hospitals"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6068","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6068"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6068\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6446,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6068\/revisions\/6446"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6070"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6068"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6068"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lazymonkey.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6068"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}