August 28, 2008
ADMINISTRATIVE
ORDER
No. 2005 –
0027–A
AMENDMENT TO ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 2005
– 0027 “RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE REGULATION OF HIV TESTING
LABORATORIES
Tuberculosis
(TB) is one of the most common opportunistic infections among People Living
with HIV (PLHIV). Since TB significantly contributes to the mortality of PLHIV,
one strategy identified to address this concern was to put up a TB DOTS
laboratory with HIV testing capability as exemplified in Administrative Order
No. 2008 – 0022 “Policies and Guidelines in the Collaborative Approach of TB
and HIV Prevention and Control.”
Another major
public health concern is the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) which has
been shown to increase the risk of HIV. Performance of rapid serologic tests
for HIV will enhance the availability of testing in Social Hygiene Clinics
(SHC).
In view of the
above, Section V (A1) of A.O. No. 2005 – 0027 “Rules and Regulations
Governing the Regulation of HIV Testing Laboratories” is hereby amended to
allow TB DOTS Centers and SHC to operate an HIV testing laboratory under the
direct supervision of the National AIDS / STI Prevention and Control Program
and the National Reference Laboratory – STD/AIDS Central Cooperative
Laboratory/San Lazaro Hospital. Furthermore, these laboratories are exempted
from securing a license to operate a clinical laboratory, provided strict
adherence to program policies and participation in their respective Quality
Assurance Programs are observed.
This Order shall
take effect immediately.
FRANCISCO T.
DUQUE III, M.D., MSc
Secretary of
Health
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