Which organization is primarily responsible for regulation and licensing of all laboratories in the Philippines in relation to EQAP?

Which organization is primarily responsible for regulation and licensing of all laboratories in the Philippines in relation to EQAP?

• A. National Reference Laboratory (NRL)
• B. External Quality Assessment Program
• C. Mobile Clinic Laboratory (MCL)
• D. Physician's Office Laboratory (POL)

Answer: (A)

Regulation and licensing of all laboratories in relation to the External Quality Assessment Program is handled by the National Reference Laboratory. The NRL acts as the central authority that sets requirements, grants licenses, and ensures labs meet standards so they can participate in EQAP activities. EQAP is the mechanism that tests and compares lab performance, and the NRL coordinates this program and enforces licensing as a condition for participation. The other options aren’t regulatory bodies: the External Quality Assessment Program is the quality-check process itself, while Mobile Clinic Laboratory and Physician's Office Laboratory refer to locations or types of labs, not authorities.

Regulation and licensing of all laboratories in relation to the External Quality Assessment Program is handled by the National Reference Laboratory. The NRL acts as the central authority that sets requirements, grants licenses, and ensures labs meet standards so they can participate in EQAP activities. EQAP is the mechanism that tests and compares lab performance, and the NRL coordinates this program and enforces licensing as a condition for participation. The other options aren’t regulatory bodies: the External Quality Assessment Program is the quality-check process itself, while Mobile Clinic Laboratory and Physician's Office Laboratory refer to locations or types of labs, not authorities.