Overview
Accreditation provided to enhance laboratory standards; effective management solutions enabled to enhance testing and calibration
The Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) is administered by the Singapore Accreditation Council and provides accreditations for laboratories that conduct tests, measurements and calibrations involved in a wide range of spectrum fields. Under the accreditation with SAC, the laboratories sector follows effective management processes allowing the industry to upgrade the standards of testing and calibration services in Singapore.
Laboratories that are accredited under SAC are set against international and management system standards of ISO/IEC 17025 (general requirements for the competence of calibration and testing in laboratories) and the ISO 15189, which pertains to particular requirements for quality and competence. Laboratories are assessed by technical experts from the industry, tertiary institutions and government bodies. Accreditations via SAC-SINGLAS enable product competency, improve company standards and customer buy-in, enable the development of products that are in compliance with increased international standards, and reduce the re-testing and re-working of products.
Upon receiving accreditation applications, laboratories are subjected to preliminary assessments conducted by a team made up of SAC staff and technical employees. The voluntary scheme has been utilised by SAC-SINGLAS accredited companies such as commercial organisations, government departments, manufacturing firms and research bodies.
Detailed regulations established to increase efficiency within the sector; regulatory controls provided for Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs)
In 2020, regulatory guidelines were introduced by the Health Sciences Authority’s (HSA) Medical Devices Cluster for LDTs. The regulations pertained to better requirements and guidance for LDTs. An overview of regulatory controls for LDTs, revolving around the following factors, are to be monitored:
Manufacturing quality controls - This includes clinical laboratories that use labs for clinical diagnostic reasons that need to be licensed under the Healthcare Services Act.
Product controls - This involves LDTs developed by laboratory professionals and don’t require HSA registration; however, a list of LDTs being implemented needs to be provided to the MOH (Ministry of Health).
Post-market controls - All clinical laboratories that are involved in the manufacturing of LDTs are required to adhere to post-market requirements that have been allocated under applicable healthcare regulations. This involves the reporting of adverse events, recalls and safety corrective actions taken.
Key Trends
Laboratory sector develops stronghold amidst spread of COVID-19 pandemic; national capacities within laboratories increased
A year into the pandemic, Singapore continued to address the need for safety protocols, reduced risk transmission and a large-scale vaccination program. With results proving that individuals who are vaccinated could also get infected, vigilance within the sector has increased drastically. Laboratories have continued with testing in order to ensure that the city remains well protected and this has led to a higher resilience among the Singaporean community.
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has collaborated with SDL (Stronghold Diagnostics Lab) to introduce staffed researchers who would be volunteering their expertise and capabilities in order to aid the laboratory workforce. Its leveraging of Industry 4.0 technologies are an important factor in an automation system referred to as BRAVE (Bio Rapid Automated Valence Engine), which would aid diagnostic testing solutions as opposed to manual checks using labour-intensive and time-consuming equipment.
The industry prepares itself for potential onset of other infectious diseases in the future; COVID-19 laboratories repurposed with advanced technology to aid with testing
With Singapore’s population being subject to vaccinations, the requirement to carry out COVID-19 testing will continue into the foreseeable future. In 2021, the country recorded 40,000 COVID-19 tests being conducted per day and an increasing number of infections, resulting in a greater need for automation within laboratories to accommodate testing requirements. As other infections spread, laboratories require barcode scanning systems, custom robotics, automated handling of test samples, pipetting and the movement of liquids.
This change in expansion of COVID-19 laboratory testing was noted in 2021, at SDL. The laboratory deployed screening solutions for other illnesses and boosted the national polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing capabilities. Another biomedical lab located in Buona Vista, referred to as Biopolis, was also set up in April 2020 for COVID-19 testing; however, with the help of researchers at A*STAR, Biopolis has introduced Fortitude diagnostic testing kits and a serology test to neutralise antibodies, called cPass. The laboratory also provides high-tech laboratory equipment for automation and smart sensing.
Singapore is anticipating more viral spread and has encouraged laboratories to increase their workforce with the help of universities, medical staff from the National University Health System, fresh graduates, professionals and volunteer scientists from A*STAR. SDL in Singapore has trained a large number of its staff in clinical diagnostics who have contributed to the local, qualified, skilled pool of technicians. Research company A*STAR has also assembled a range of highly qualified individuals with expertise in diagnostics, microbiology and molecular biology.
Safety and health prioritised during budget allocation; Singapore’s first biosafety lab to be introduced to combat existing and potential viruses
With an allocation of SGD 90 million towards preparation for the next pandemic or biological threat, a high-level biosafety containment laboratory is to be introduced by 2025. The first type of facility to be introduced in the whole of South-East Asia, the laboratory will be a means to upgrade the national defence research agency DSO National Laboratories to a higher biosafety level of 4. With viruses being classified from 1 to 4, depending on transmissibility and danger, the laboratory would be able to combat viruses of level 4 and enable the highest safety protocols.
The Biosafety Level (BSL) 4 labs being introduced would require the ability to immediately shut down in the event of contamination and develop a high standard of air separation within the lab. The introduction of such laboratories would allow Singapore to develop diagnostics and solutions for antibody therapeutics as well as isolate and identify new emerging infectious disease pathogens that exist today or that could be present in the future.
The lab would comply with international standards and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), and is to be supervised by a qualified consultant with relevant experience to ensure the process runs smoothly. Emphasis will be placed on enhanced safety features such as measures taken to prevent pathogen leakage. An efficient air filtration method to ensure exhaust purging and double pipe containment, heat sterilisation of solid waste pre-incineration and the sterilisation of liquids before discharging would be a few other additional precautionary measures being implemented in the laboratory.
Key Statistics
- As of November 2020, the average salary for lab technicians within the laboratory sector was SGD 2,140 per month, whereas senior lab technicians were paid SGD 2,940 per month.
Top Singapore MNCs in Laboratory Companies
LABCORP DEVELOPMENT (ASIA) PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
ICON CLINICAL RESEARCH (PTE) LIMITED
ICON Clinic Research, which was incorporated in Singapore in 1999, specializes in consultation and outsourced development and commercialization. In addition, ICON’s services can be modified to suit small local trials or large global programmes. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, it also operates in 11 countries in the APAC region and in seven countries in Latin America. The laboratory serves clients from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices, and government and public health organizations. ICON also has expertise in therapeutic areas such as oncology, central nervous system, vaccines, cardiovascular and auto-immune diseases. It was ranked 80 out of 850 companies in the Diversity Leaders 2023 Awards list by the Financial Times.
MEDPACE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Medspace Singapore was incorporated in 2006. The company is headquartered in Ohio and operates across 41 countries worldwide. It offers a range of full-service clinical development services to biopharmaceutical and medical device sponsors. In addition, it has expertise in therapeutics and speciality areas such as cardiovascular, auto-immune diseases and neuroscience. Medspace offers clinical pharmacology and other laboratory services such as central laboratory, bioanalytical, ECG Core Lab, and Imaging Core Lab. It offers services throughout the development life cycle which includes the early phase, phase llb-lll and the RWE - late phase of clinical research, and also provides solutions for medical devices and diagnostics.
PPD GLOBAL CENTRAL LABS (S) PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
ALS TECHNICHEM (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
Repeat company as per the client
ROMER LABS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Romer Labs Singapore, which was incorporated in 2003, is an accredited laboratory. Headquartered in Washington, Missouri, the company also operates accredited laboratories in Austria, the UK and the US, as well as a CMA-certified service lab in China. Romer Labs Singapore specializes in providing innovative diagnostic solutions which cover mycotoxin analysis, food allergens, and meat speciation to clients from the agriculture, and food and feed industries. In addition, the company offers a range of products and services that are developed to cover mycotoxin, food pathogens, food allergens, gluten and GMO– including test kits, reference materials, clean-up columns, analytics service, sampling mills, and dip-slides.
EUROFINS CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
PARKWAY LABORATORY SERVICES LTD.
Parkway Laboratory Services was incorporated in 1983. Headquartered in Singapore, it operates laboratories at its four private hospitals located across the country, serving both inpatient and outpatient needs. The labs offer a broad range of clinical laboratory services, histopathology services, and genetic services which also include sample handling, sample processing and analysis, reporting of test results, and handling and delivery of supplies and test results. In addition, it offers outpatient phlebotomy services and STAT/urgent test services. Patients can easily access their lab results through the Plexus e-Lab assistant.
ACM GLOBAL CENTRAL LABORATORY (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
Q SQUARED SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
Q Squared Solutions was established in Singapore in 2011. It is headquartered in North Carolina, USA. The company operates in North America, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. It is a wholly owned subsidiary and laboratory division of IQVIA. Q Squared Solutions offers a range of services such as central laboratory services, biotech laboratory solutions, precision medicine, biomarkers, biomarker testing and speciality laboratory testing. It also provides therapeutic expertise in areas such as oncology, infectious diseases, immunology and rare diseases. Q Squared Solutions also maintains a blog, podcasts and videos on various topics related to laboratory services.
Top Singapore Large Local Enterprises in Laboratory Companies
CORDLIFE GROUP LIMITED
Cordlife Group was established in 2001. Headquartered in Singapore, the company operates the largest network of cord blood banks across Asia with full stem cell banking facilities in six countries. Cordlife Group specializes in stem cell banking which includes services related to the collection, processing and storage of cord lining and cord blood stem cells, in addition to many other related services. It also offers paediatric services such as eye and talent screening for newborns and children, and Optiq and AMILI gut microbiome services for adults. The company was awarded Technology Pioneer status by the World Economic Forum in 2007.
A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES
A*STAR Research, which is headquartered in Singapore, was incorporated in 1997. It is a research institute that conducts economic-oriented research to help advance scientific discovery and innovative technology. The institute’s research and development areas include Asian nutrition, bioimaging, drugs/biologics discovery, biodevices and diagnostics. Its capabilities in engineering and physical sciences span across fields such as advanced manufacturing, chemicals, communications and data storage. A*STAR Research provides a selection of scholarship programmes for graduate studies, postdoctoral studies, junior college, polytechnic and secondary school students.
INNOQUEST DIAGNOSTICS PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
ADMIRALTY MEDICAL CENTRE PTE. LTD.
Admiralty Medical Centre was founded in Singapore in 2016. The centre is reputed for its specialist outpatient consultations and day surgery procedures for selected conditions and endoscopy. Its facilities include specialist outpatient clinics, day surgery and endoscopy suite, rehabilitation gym, X-ray and ultrasound suite, medical laboratory and pharmacy. Admiralty Medical Centre offers a range of clinical and allied health services such as anaesthesia, diabetes centre, ear, nose and throat centre, endoscopy, pharmacy, laboratory, medical social service, radiology and podiatry. Laboratory tests performed at the centre include biochemistry, haematology, coagulation and urinalysis.
NATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE OF SINGAPORE PTE LTD
The National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore was incorporated in 1998. The institute is the national and regional specialist centre for brain, spine, nerve and muscle conditions. It provides treatment for over 20 subspecialities including stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumour and brain injury, while also providing education and training services. The National Neuroscience Institute operates two main campuses and four partner hospitals. The institute operates seven laboratories offering services related to areas of neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neurodiagnostic, neuromuscular and neurology. In addition, it conducts clinical trials and research on neurological conditions and maintains four research platforms.
NATIONAL SKIN CENTRE (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
The National Skin Centre (Singapore), which was established in 1988, is an outpatient specialist dermatological centre that provides treatment for a broad range of skin conditions. Treatments and services offered include day treatment services, pharmacy services, laboratory services, care and counselling, nursing services, phototherapy services and teleconsultation. The National Skin Centre (Singapore) conducts research on various areas such as oncology, dermatology and dermatitis, and also operates research laboratories. In addition, the centre offers education and training programmes for medical practitioners, and also includes residency and postgraduate programmes.
ACUMEN DIAGNOSTICS PTE. LTD.
Acumen Diagnostics, which is headquartered in Singapore, was established in 2020. It is a medical diagnostics and technology company which offers a range of laboratory clinical test services. These services include COVID-19 PCR test, colorectal cancer screening PCR liquid biopsy, pharmacogenomics genotyping, Unyvero HPN microbiology ID and blood culture pathogen, and AMR PCR ID. Acumen Diagnostics utilizes HSA-approved medical devices such as ACU-Corona COVID-19 PCR test kits and ACUSept Sepsis Host-response PCR test. In addition, it offers RT-PCR swabs for travel.
BIOMEDICS LABORATORY PTE. LTD.
Biomedics Laboratory, which was incorporated in Singapore in 2019, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Biolidics. It specializes in providing precision diagnostics and technology towards the betterment ofpatient care. Presently, it has partnered with Singapore MOH-approved providers to offer pre-departure and pre-event PCR tests – Biomedics Laboratory tests the samples and provides results to its clients within a span of 24 hours. In addition, it offers CellSearch CTC tests. The lab utilizes advanced diagnostics technology for patient care in order to provide comprehensive diagnostic services for precision oncology. It also offers an array of health screening packages.
NHG DIAGNOSTICS
NHG Diagnostics, which is headquartered in Singapore, was incorporated in 2000. The company focuses on providing one-stop imaging and laboratory services in primary healthcare. It operates over 20 imaging centres and laboratories, and also operates many mobile service vehicles in the country. In addition to providing its services to the community, its clients include, polyclinics, nursing homes, homecare providers, community hospitals and general practitioners. NHG Diagnostics provides a range of diagnostic services such as laboratory testing, mammogram, ultrasound, home phlebotomy and workplace health screening. It offers sponsorship and scholarship programmes for health professionals interested in pursuing diagnostic radiography programmes.
LIFESTRANDS GENOMICS PTE. LTD.
Lifestrand Genomics was incorporated in 2021. The company, which is headquartered in Singapore, utilizes cutting-edge equipment and the latest advancements in next generation sequencing to offer effective translational genomic research services. It offers a range of services in areas of population genomics, microbiome and biomarker discovery to both clinicians and their patients. Lifestrand Genomics provides a range of tests and services relating to reproductive health, cancer genetics, hereditary conditions, and pharmacogenomics, as well as offering genomic research services.
Top Singapore SMEs in Laboratory Companies
NALAGENETICS PTE. LTD.
Nalagenetics was incorporated in 2016. Headquartered in Singapore, it also operates a facility in Indonesia. The company focuses on interpreting genetic information at scale, and offers personalized prescription, diet and screening. It provides genetic testing services to partnered hospitals and clinics, while also offering free certified training and collaborations in the areas of marketing and research. Its products include personalized drugs, diet and nutrition, no-swab COVID-19 tests, in addition to personalized reports and counselling accessible through a mobile app. The company’s range of products for laboratories include genetic testing machines and kits, genetic interpretation software and genetic sample collection.
IGENE LABORATORY PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeat company as per the client
RESTE LABORATORIES PTE. LTD.
Reste Laboratories (ResteLab) was established in Singapore in 2016. The company operates a fully equipped laboratory, and conducts a broad spectrum of sensitive diagnostic solutions and quality laboratory tests. Its services are provided to clients working in corporations, medical clinics, and research institutes, as well as individual clients. ResteLab offers laboratory tests in various disciplines such as biochemistry, immunology, haematology, endocrinology, serology and microbiology. The laboratory participates in programmes such as Singapore QAP for malaria testing, Singapore national QAP for HIV testing, and the Health Sciences Authority’s EQA programme.
PATHNOVA LABORATORIES PTE. LTD.
Pathnova Laboratories, which is headquartered in Singapore, was established in 2017. Its laboratories specialize in offering a range of clinical laboratory services to both patients and clinicians, while also focusing on nasopharyngeal cancer. Its services include clinical diagnostics, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) detection assay, and COVID-19 tests. Among Pathnova Laboratories’ products are ebv-EArly and evb-2stack which are developed to detect EVB reactivation, which indicates the presence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Moreover, Pathnova Laboratories has also developed a test called immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect the presence of NPC in individuals.
SINCERE ANDROLOGY LABORATORY PTE. LTD.
Sincere Andrology Laboratory was incorporated in 2010. The laboratory is a part of the Sincere Healthcare Group which isheadquartered in Singapore. It operates a one-stop fertility specialist centre which offers services related to male fertility potential. Male sperm analysis, processing for insemination, sperm preparation for IUI and sperm banking are among the services provided by the centre. In addition, it offers testicular sperm extraction surgery and microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration for azoospermic males. Sincere Andrology Laboratory is the only lab in Singapore which focuses on Oxidative Stress Assay (OSA).
PATHOMICS HEALTH PTE. LTD.
Pathomics Health was founded in Singapore in 2019, and operates laboratories in both Singapore and Malaysia. Pathomics Health focuses on providing advanced precision diagnostics and digital healthcare solutions. The laboratory provides a wide range of services to clinicians and these include laboratory tests for immunology, molecular biology, oncology and infectious diseases. In addition to these, it also provides laboratory consumables and phlebotomy services. It also offers courier services to its clients which include pick-up and delivery of specimens and laboratory tests. Its range of tests include QuantiFERON-TB Gold plus, Early CDT-Lung and cPass SARS-CoV Neutralizing Antibodies.
MOLECULAR PTE. LTD.
Molecular, which is headquartered in Singapore, was incorporated in 2016. It is an Asia Genomics company which specializes in clinical diagnostics in molecular biology. The lab is approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). As such, it is certified to conduct DNA microarray testing and COVID-19-SARS-CoV-2 testing. Molecular Lab’s services include ART tests, PCR tests, pre-departure tests, and DNA microarray. Moreover, upon request, it can arrange for onsite ART services for events. Its services are available for clinics, businesses, onsite events and pre-departures within Singapore.
Top Singapore Fastest-Growing Companies in Laboratory Companies
INNOQUEST DIAGNOSTICS PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
IGENE LABORATORY PRIVATE LIMITED
Repeat company as per the client
RESTE LABORATORIES PTE. LTD.
Reste Laboratories (ResteLab) was established in Singapore in 2016. The company operates a fully equipped laboratory, and conducts a broad spectrum of sensitive diagnostic solutions and quality laboratory tests. Its services are provided to clients working in corporations, medical clinics, and research institutes, as well as individual clients. ResteLab offers laboratory tests in various disciplines such as biochemistry, immunology, haematology, endocrinology, serology and microbiology. The laboratory participates in programmes such as Singapore QAP for malaria testing, Singapore national QAP for HIV testing, and the Health Sciences Authority’s EQA programme.
SINGAPORE DIAGNOSTICS PTE. LTD.
Singapore Diagnostics was established in Singapore in 2013. It is a subsidiary of Pathology Asia (PAH) which conducts laboratory, genomic, and digital health operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia. Singapore Diagnostics conducts operations in the Philippines, where it has established a total of six laboratories. Singapore Diagnostics offers routine and special services related to the areas of haematology, clinical chemistry, clinical microscopy, immunology/serology which includes HIV testing, as well as microbiology and molecular laboratory services. It is also an accredited drug testing laboratory (DTL) and performs screening tests for drug abuse.
ASIA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTICS PTE. LTD.
Asia Veterinary Diagnostics was established in 2013, and it is presently known as ANTECH Diagnostics. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company also operates laboratories in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, USA, Canada and the UK, offering a range of diagnostic services provided by veterinary experts. ANTECH Diagnostics, based in Singapore, offers full-laboratory services in areas of histology/cytology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics, in addition to ANTECH’s exclusive tests such as OncoK9 liquid biopsy test for dogs, and CADET BARF and CADET-BARF plus. It also provides allergy testing and genetic testing. It conducts educational webinars and has released publications, case studies and research projects which are available for reference.
PARKWAY LABORATORY SERVICES LTD.
Parkway Laboratory Services was incorporated in 1983. Headquartered in Singapore, it operates laboratories at its four private hospitals located across the country, serving both inpatient and outpatient needs. The labs offer a broad range of clinical laboratory services, histopathology services, and genetic services which also include sample handling, sample processing and analysis, reporting of test results, and handling and delivery of supplies and test results. In addition, it offers outpatient phlebotomy services and STAT/urgent test services. Patients can easily access their lab results through the Plexus e-Lab assistant.
MEDPACE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
Medspace Singapore was incorporated in 2006. The company is headquartered in Ohio and operates across 41 countries worldwide. It offers a range of full-service clinical development services to biopharmaceutical and medical device sponsors. In addition, it has expertise in therapeutics and speciality areas such as cardiovascular, auto-immune diseases and neuroscience. Medspace offers clinical pharmacology and other laboratory services such as central laboratory, bioanalytical, ECG Core Lab, and Imaging Core Lab. It offers services throughout the development life cycle which includes the early phase, phase llb-lll and the RWE - late phase of clinical research, and also provides solutions for medical devices and diagnostics.
Q SQUARED SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.
Q Squared Solutions was established in Singapore in 2011. It is headquartered in North Carolina, USA. The company operates in North America, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. It is a wholly owned subsidiary and laboratory division of IQVIA. Q Squared Solutions offers a range of services such as central laboratory services, biotech laboratory solutions, precision medicine, biomarkers, biomarker testing and speciality laboratory testing. It also provides therapeutic expertise in areas such as oncology, infectious diseases, immunology and rare diseases. Q Squared Solutions also maintains a blog, podcasts and videos on various topics related to laboratory services.
ANGSANA MOLECULAR AND DIAGNOSTICS LABORATORY PTE. LTD.
Angsana Molecular and Diagnostics Laboratory was established in Singapore 2014, and operates branch offices in Hong Kong and Malaysia. The laboratory specializes in developing penalized genetic, genomic and molecular based assays in areas such as allergy and molecular allergology, foetal and maternal health, molecular oncology, and pharmacogenomics. Angsana Molecular and Diagnostics Laboratory provides personalized medicine and predictive pathology which use molecular testing and genetic profiling to detect an individual’s innate predisposition for disease, and predict possible and effective medical treatment. In addition, its services also include specimen handling, processing and analysis of samples, test result reporting, and handling and delivery of supplies and test reports to its clients.
PPD GLOBAL CENTRAL LABS (S) PTE. LTD.
Repeat company as per the client
