Global Pathology Review — Path-iQ · India Lab Directory
A guide to finding and verifying NABL-accredited clinical pathology and medical testing laboratories in India — covering biochemistry, microbiology, haematology, cytology, and histopathology.
NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredits medical testing laboratories in India under ISO 15189:2022 — the international standard for quality and competence in medical laboratories. This is distinct from ISO/IEC 17025, which applies to calibration and industrial testing labs.
An ISO 15189-accredited medical lab has been independently assessed for technical competence, staff qualification, equipment calibration, quality management, and patient safety. Reports from NABL-accredited labs are recognised by ICMR, MOHFW, courts, insurance companies, and international bodies.
| Discipline | What it covers | Key tests |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Biochemistry | Blood and urine chemical analysis | LFT, RFT, lipid profile, HbA1c, thyroid panel |
| Clinical Haematology | Blood cell counts and coagulation | CBC, peripheral smear, PT/INR, D-dimer |
| Clinical Microbiology | Bacterial, viral, and fungal diagnostics | Blood cultures, sensitivity testing, AFB, PCR |
| Clinical Pathology | Urine, stools, and body fluids | Urine R&M, stool O&P, CSF analysis |
| Histopathology & Cytology | Tissue and cell diagnosis | Biopsy, FNAC, Pap smear, frozen section |
| Immunology & Serology | Antibody and antigen testing | ANA, ANCA, RA factor, HIV, Hepatitis panels |
| Molecular Diagnostics | DNA/RNA-based testing | PCR, RT-PCR, NGS, FISH, BRCA |
| Transfusion Medicine | Blood banking | Blood grouping, cross-match, component therapy |
Every NABL-accredited laboratory is issued a unique accreditation number (e.g., MC-XXXX for medical testing). To verify:
| Step | Action | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit nabl-india.org | Search by lab name, state, or discipline |
| 2 | Check accreditation scope | Confirm the specific test/discipline you need is within the lab's accredited scope |
| 3 | Verify validity dates | Accreditation is valid for 2 years; check the expiry date |
| 4 | Check accreditation number on lab report | The NABL number should appear on the lab report header |
| 5 | Confirm ISO 15189 (not just 17025) | Medical labs should be accredited under ISO 15189, not ISO/IEC 17025 (which is for calibration) |
The following are among India's most prominent NABL-accredited clinical laboratory networks. Verify current accreditation status at the NABL portal before use.
| Lab / Network | Type | States Present | Key Disciplines |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRL Diagnostics | Private chain | All major states | Biochemistry, Haematology, Molecular, Histopathology |
| Dr Lal PathLabs | Private chain | All major states | Full clinical pathology spectrum |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Private chain | 20+ states | Biochemistry, Molecular, Immunology |
| Thyrocare Technologies | Centralised processing | Pan-India collection | Biochemistry, Haematology, Thyroid |
| AIIMS New Delhi — Pathology | Government / Academic | Delhi | Histopathology, Cytology, Molecular, Haematology |
| CMC Vellore — Clinical Pathology | Government / Academic | Tamil Nadu | Full clinical pathology, reference testing |
| Tata Memorial Centre — Pathology | Government / Academic | Maharashtra | Oncology pathology, Histopathology, Molecular |
| Medanta — The Medicity Diagnostics | Hospital lab | Haryana, NCR | Biochemistry, Haematology, Molecular |
| Manipal Hospitals — Central Lab | Hospital chain | Karnataka, AP, TN | Full clinical pathology |
| PGIMER Chandigarh — Pathology | Government / Academic | Punjab / Chandigarh | Histopathology, Haematology, Microbiology |
This page provides general guidance on NABL medical testing accreditation in India. Lab listings are editorial and not exhaustive. Accreditation status changes; always verify current status at nabl-india.org. Not medical advice.