National Reference Laboratory - STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory

ATTENTION: ALL NEQAS PARTICIPANTS

Please be informed that the registration deadline for the 2026 NEQAS for Serology is on May 31, 2026.

Participants are advised to complete all registration requirements on or before the deadline to avoid unsuccessful enrollment.

Please take note of the following:
1. Payment of registration fees must be completed on or before May 31, 2026.

2. Uploading of proof of payment through the registration portal must also be completed on or before May 31, 2026.

3. For Rejected registrations, all noted deficiencies and required corrections must be complied with before the deadline. Failure to comply within the prescribed period will result in unsuccessful registration and may lead to non-participation in the 2026 NEQAS for Serology.

Participants are highly encouraged to submit their registration requirements at the earliest opportunity to allow sufficient time for review and resolution of any issues prior to the deadline. Please note that due to the high volume of participants, verification of registrations and payments may take up to seven (7) working days.

Participants who have already submitted their registration are advised to regularly check their registered email address for any confirmation or rejection notice after the processing period. The status of registration may also be viewed by logging in to the participant account in the registration portal.

For questions or concerns, you may contact us through (02) 5310-95-28 or email us at [email protected], Mondays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

🔬 Upgrade Your Skills in STI Diagnostics!

Calling for interested Registered Medical Technologists!

Join the Basic STI Diagnostic and Microscopy Training hosted by NRL-SACCL on May 19–21, 2026 and June 16-18 2026 at the SLH HIV Training Center.

This 3-day face-to-face training aims to strengthen laboratory capacity in the accurate diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through microscopy and essential laboratory techniques.

📌 Only 20 slots available!
📌 Registration deadline: May 11, 2026 or until slots are filled.

Scan the QR code in the poster to register.

For inquiries:
📞 5310-9528
📧 [email protected]

📢 Please be informed.
Please be guided by our updated schedule at NRL-SACCL in line with energy conservation efforts.
We will now be open Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM only (excluding weekends and holidays).
📌 Also, culture sample collection will only be accepted until Wednesday, 4:00 PM.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes. Thank you for your continued support.

The Department of Laboratories – NRL SACCL successfully conducted two HIV Viral Load Testing training sessions using Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Test in March 2026, reinforcing laboratory capacity for HIV diagnostics.

An in-house training held on March 9–13 at San Lazaro Hospital, was facilitated by the Molecular and Genomics Core Team and focused on strengthening the competencies of Medical Technologists in molecular-based HIV viral load testing. This was followed by an external training on March 16–18 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health – Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DOH-DPCB) and CHD Region IV-A, highlighting efforts to standardize practices across regions.

These sessions, representing the 2nd and 3rd batches of trainees, equipped participants with essential knowledge and technical skills in confirmatory and monitoring tests for HIV using cartridge-based platforms. The training also introduced the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) method, an innovative and practical approach for specimen collection in remote and resource-limited settings.

Aligned with the mandate of NRL-SACCL, the initiative strengthens quality-assured HIV testing nationwide. Through these efforts, San Lazaro Hospital continues to play a vital role in advancing HIV diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and overall patient care.

Attention RMTs!

The SLH- NRL SACCL is now accepting registration for HIV Viral Load Training using Cartridge- based Nucleic Acid Test on May 8 and 11-14, 2026. This is designed for Registered Medical Technologists assigned in laboratories performing Molecular/ PCR testing services and serves as an excellent opportunity to sharpen your expertise and stay aligned with best practices, including:

• Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Viral Load Training
• Referral System for Viral Load
• Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Technology
- Collection - Preparation - Packaging and Transport

With only 20 slots available, be sure to reserve your slot early and register on or before April 25, 2026 by visiting the link below or by scanning the QR code provided.
Accepted participants will receive an email confirmation after the registration deadline.
Let’s unite and make a difference together!

Reservation link:

https://forms.gle/ejjno7iFwCxk7D1eA

📢 Advisory: Resumption of acceptance of whole blood samples for HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) testing. All facilities are advised to comply with updated requirements.

ADVISORY
Please be advised of the NRL-SACCL operating schedule for April 6–10, 2026, in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan and pursuant to energy conservation protocols. Regular operations will resume on April 13, 2026. Kindly plan your transactions accordingly.

ADVISORY

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 116, all government employees are hereby informed that work in all offices shall be suspended effective 12:00 noon on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday).

The Receiving and Releasing Section shall remain open only until 11:00 AM to accommodate transactions prior to the implementation of the work suspension.

Furthermore, in observance of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, regular office operations shall continue to be suspended.

Normal office operations shall resume on April 6, 2026 (Monday).

All concerned personnel and stakeholders are hereby advised for their information and guidance.

Attention RMTs!

The SLH-NRL SACCL is now accepting registration for the Integrated rHIVda Proficiency Training scheduled on April 30 & May 4-7, 2026. This is designed for Registered Medical Technologists assigned in laboratories that are aiming to become Certified rHIVda Confirmatory Laboratories (CrCLs).

Visit the link below or scan the QR code to reserve your slot on or before April 3, 2026, or until slots are filled out.

Only one participant per facility will be accepted. Qualified participants will receive an acceptance letter via email, along with the payment instructions. Payment without the acceptance letter will not be accepted.

Reservation link:
https://forms.gle/u1tA9kuLixX2vx2R8

NEQAS Announcement:

Dear Participants,

We are pleased to announce the commencement of the 2026 National External Quality Assessment Scheme for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis.

As stipulated in Section VI of the Guidelines of Administrative Order No. 2007-0027, Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the Licensure and Regulation of Clinical Laboratories in the Philippines, it is required that:

“The clinical laboratory shall participate in an External Quality Assurance Program (EQAP) administered by designated National Reference Laboratories (NRL) or in other local and international EQAP approved by the DOH”

Access to online registration and detailed instructions is available via the official website: app.nrlslhsaccl.com.ph . Participating laboratories will incur a registration fee to cover costs associated with reagents, supplies, and other operational expenses. The updated registration fees shall be applied in accordance with Department Memorandum No. 2024-0522.

• PHP 4,500 (one test event)
• PHP 6,500 (two or more test events)

Payments may be made in-cash at San Lazaro Hospital cashier (for walk-ins) or through over-the-counter deposits using the following details:

Bank Name: Landbank of the Philippines (LBP)
Branch: Tayuman
Account Name: San Lazaro Hospital
Account Number: 1432-1001-18

Payments made through online applications (e.g., GCash, InstaPay, PESONet, Maya) and online bank transfers are currently not accepted. The Landbank Link.BizPortal is currently unavailable until further notice.

Online registration will be open from March 16, 2026 until May 31, 2026. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as submissions received after the deadline will no longer be accommodated.

For questions or concerns, you may contact us through (02) 5310-95-28 or email us at [email protected]

NEQAS Guidelines: https://tinyurl.com/NEQASGuidelines
Letter of Invitation: https://tinyurl.com/2026InvitationLetter