The Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh (AIIMS-R), has been officially accredited for the diagnosis of 12 major viral infections, marking a significant milestone in India’s public health and infectious disease preparedness.

This achievement underscores AIIMS-R’s growing role as a national hub for advanced viral diagnostics. The accreditation, granted by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) under ISO 15189:2022 standards, validates the laboratory’s adherence to globally benchmarked protocols in accuracy, reliability, and quality control.

The VRDL network, established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), plays a critical role in surveillance, outbreak investigation, and rapid diagnosis of viral diseases. With this latest recognition, AIIMS-R VRDL is now equipped to conduct highly sensitive and specific testing for:

Influenza A & B

Dengue virus

Japanese Encephalitis virus

Chikungunya virus

Measles virus

Rubella virus

Hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis A virus

Rotavirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Varicella Zoster virus

Speaking on the development, Executive Director of AIIMS-R, said, “This accreditation is a testament to our commitment towards strengthening India’s infectious disease diagnostic capabilities. It enhances our readiness to respond to viral outbreaks with precision and speed.”

The accreditation is expected to boost AIIMS-R’s role not just in routine diagnostics but also in research collaborations, epidemiological studies, and capacity building for peripheral laboratories in the region.

By achieving this status, AIIMS-R joins a select group of advanced laboratories in India that meet the stringent requirements for molecular and serological testing of viral pathogens—an advancement that will directly contribute to public health security and clinical excellence.