Quality Control Lab
The Quality Control Laboratory (QCL) performs the functions of testing laboratory as part of Food and Drugs Board functions.The QCL conducts laboratory testing and associated sampling as well as making professional judgement on test results reported by it in support of the Board's quality assurance programmes.
The laboratory has a physico-chemical section, microbiology section and medical devices testing section.
Competence , confidentiality, and objectivity are central concepts to be fully addressed by testing laboratories aiming for international recognition and acceptance. In this connection, QCL has committed itself to assure technical and managerial competence in its laboratory testing at all levels of operation.
Quality Policy
It is the policy of QCL of the Food and Drugs Board to provide testing services in a controlled environment consistently striving to meet the needs and expectations of its clients and be in agreement with good professional practices satisfying the international requirements of ISO/IEC Guide 25: 1990.
Laboratory tests are always carried out in accordance with stated specifications and requirements.
The QCL will not engage in any activity that may endanger the trust in its independence of judgement and integrity in relation to its testing and associated activities.
All members of staff concerned with testing are made continuously aware of the policies and procedures of the QCL with regard to quality of its testing services at all times.
Quality Objectives
The broad quality objectives of the QCL pertaining to laboratory testing are:
- To conduct tests to specified specifications and client's requirements in a competent and reliable manner, in conformity with the requirements of ISO/IEC Guide 25: 1990.
- To achieve and consistently maintain a level of quality which enhances QCL's reputation with clients
- To ensure compliance with relevant laboratory safety requirements.
Specific quality objectives are developed, at least once a year, and used as QCL's operational guide for implementing its quality policy.
Responsibilities of the Quality Control Laboratory
The overall responsibilities of the QCL are as follows:
To implement the quality management system approved by the Governing Board of the FDB, and to ensure that relevant requirements are met.
To perform tests and associated sampling within the scope of the testing laboratory and issue test reports, in accordance with the policies and objectives of the FDB.
To design and implement appropriate quality assurance and safety measures within the testing laboratory in line with the management objectives.
To carry out adequate contract review, planning, verification and validation as part of the day-to-day management.
To develop and maintain the technical basis (in-house methods etc) for laboratory tests and associated activities.
To evaluate and subcontract tests and associated sampling work to suitable and competent bodies in accordance with the procedure for the purpose.
To keep registers of approved suppliers and subcontractors.
To prepare and maintain the Laboratory Manual and associated operating procedures and other normative documents, and submit for approval to top management of FDB.
To maintain all controlled test and other (equipment, personnel etc) documentation and records secure and confidential.
To review periodically the scope of tests of laboratory against the needs and requirements of clients and other stakeholders and recommend its approval by the top management of FDB.
To ensure proper maintenance and calibration of equipment and reference materials.
To prepare and make available information on scope of tests performed by the laboratory, test fee schedule, and other relevant technical information to clients.
Medical Devices Unit
The Medical Devices Unit of the Food and Drugs Board is equipped with automated machines for quality testing of latex and plastic condoms as well as latex gloves. Prior to their distribution in Ghana, condoms are tested for compliance to standards set by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Unit also carries out quality monitoring of condoms stored in the warehouses at regular time intervals so as to ascertain their quality as they move through the distribution channels from the the central warehouse to the ultimate users. The Unit is also involved in testing the mechanical aspects of syringe as specified by ISO specifications.
QCL Support to External Clients
The QCL also supports external clients by providing reliable analytical and advisory services. External clients include Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), Ghana Police CID, Central Medical Stores of Ghana Health Service and the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone.
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