A clinical laboratory based in Dublin is the first in Ireland to obtain special accreditation for the standard of both its medical and mircobiological testing, writes Kevin O'Sullivan.

The Irish Laboratory Accreditation Board mark was awarded to Claymon Laboratories. Since 1991, it has been involved in advanced laboratory testing for Irish hospitals, and the Departments of Justice and Agriculture.

The award was presented by Mr Tom Kitt, Minister of State for occupational health and safety, and Dr Mary Walsh, State Chemist and chairwoman of the Irish National Accreditation Board. Based in Sandyford Industrial Estate, Claymon has also worked in laboratory analysis for research both in Ireland and abroad.

The ILAB accreditation was granted by the Irish National Accreditation Board which is part of a European body that evaluates laboratories and provides independent assurance of conformity to international standards.