Infection Control in Healthcare — Key Standards for NABH and NABL

Infection control is a critical component of both NABH and NABL accreditation. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major patient safety concern — and accreditation standards require a systematic approach to prevention.

Healthcare-associated infections affect millions of patients globally each year, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. For NABH-accredited hospitals and NABL labs, infection control is not optional — it’s a core accreditation requirement.

Key Infection Control Requirements for Hospitals (NABH)

• Infection Control Committee with defined membership and meeting schedule
• Hand hygiene program (WHO 5 moments) with compliance monitoring
• Isolation precautions protocols (standard, contact, droplet, airborne)
• HAI surveillance program (VAP, CAUTI, CLABSI rates monitored)
• Antibiotic stewardship program
• Biomedical waste management per BMW Management Rules 2016

Key Infection Control Requirements for Labs (NABL/ISO 15189)

• Biosafety manual and biosafety levels assigned to each work area
• PPE protocols for sample handling
• Spill management procedures
• Sharps management (no recapping, puncture-resistant containers)
• Laboratory waste segregation and disposal
• Decontamination protocols for work surfaces and equipment