Behind every alert

How drug testing laboratories in Pakistan catch fake and substandard medicines

Every DRAP spurious or substandard alert starts with a laboratory result. Here's how samples reach the lab, what analysts test for, and why the lab's verdict is the only real proof of what's inside a tablet.

See lab-confirmed alerts See the steps ↓

Analyst operating an HPLC instrument in a drug testing laboratory

Lab-confirmedThe basis of every alert

Table of contents8 sections

Quick answer

In Pakistan, medicines are tested by federal laboratories such as the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Karachi and by provincial drug testing laboratories. Drug inspectors collect samples from manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies; analysts test identity, strength, purity and dissolution against pharmacopoeia standards. Failed results are declared spurious, substandard or adulterated and can lead to DRAP alerts, recalls and prosecution.

Central Drugs Laboratory, Karachi: Federal
Drug testing laboratories: Provincial
Core quality tests per sample: 4+
BP / USP standards: Pharmacopoeia

What the lab tests

The tests that decide whether a medicine passes

Analysts compare each sample with its registered specification and pharmacopoeia standards (British or US Pharmacopoeia). A fail on any critical test means the batch is not of standard quality. See spurious vs substandard.

Identity

Is the right active ingredient present at all? Counterfeits often contain none, or a cheaper substitute.

Assay (strength)

How much active ingredient is in each dose, usually by HPLC. Too little means treatment fails; too much risks toxicity.

Dissolution

Does the tablet release its drug in the body as designed? A tablet can contain the right dose yet not dissolve.

Impurities

Degradation products and contaminants must stay below strict limits.

Sterility & endotoxins

Essential for injections, infusions and eye drops, where contamination can be life-threatening.

Packaging & labelling

Labels, batch details and packaging are checked against the registered product.

Step by step

From pharmacy shelf to DRAP alert

1
Sampling
Federal or provincial drug inspectors collect samples during routine inspections or after complaints, including patient reports.
2
Laboratory analysis
The sample is coded and tested against the registered specification and pharmacopoeia methods.
3
Test report
The lab issues a report declaring the sample of standard quality, or substandard, spurious, adulterated or misbranded.
4
Regulatory action
DRAP can issue a rapid alert, order a recall and refer cases to drug courts.

Why only a lab can prove what's inside

Packaging checks, batch alerts and track and trace all test identity: is this the pack the manufacturer made? None of them can see inside a tablet. A sophisticated counterfeit can pass every visual check; a genuine product can be substandard because of a manufacturing or storage failure.

That's why your reports matter. When a medicine doesn't work or causes unusual effects, a report can get that batch sampled and tested. Our tools help you find likely problems quickly, then the lab provides proof.

Gloved hands with tablets and lab equipment

What 'spurious' and 'substandard' mean in a lab report

Under the Drugs Act 1976, laboratory findings fall into defined categories. These are the words you'll see in DRAP notices:

Spurious: imitates another product or manufacturer, or contains a different ingredient than claimed.
Substandard (not of standard quality): genuine product that fails one or more quality tests.
Adulterated: contaminated, or containing a harmful or substituted substance.
Misbranded: labelling is false or misleading.

Quality checks you can do vs what a lab does

Use the first column every time; the lab handles the second.

Check	Who	Proves
Batch against alerts	You (batch check)	Batch already found bad
Serial verification	You (DRAP portal)	Pack identity
Pack inspection	You (checklist)	Visible signs of fakes
Identity & assay	Drug testing laboratory	What's inside, and how much
Dissolution & sterility	Drug testing laboratory	Whether it works and is safe

Important

Can I get my own medicine tested?

Labs mainly test samples collected by drug inspectors. The practical route for a patient is to report the medicine to DRAP or your provincial health department with the pack and receipt, so an inspector can collect and submit it.

Frequently asked questions

Direct answers about drug testing laboratory Pakistan.

Who tests medicines in Pakistan?

Federal labs such as the Central Drugs Laboratory in Karachi and provincial drug testing laboratories, working with DRAP and provincial drug inspectors.

How are medicine samples collected?

Drug inspectors collect samples from manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies, routinely or after complaints. See also: Counterfeit drugs in Pakistan.

What tests are done on medicines?

Identity, assay (strength), dissolution, impurities, and for injections sterility and endotoxins, against pharmacopoeia standards. See also: Counterfeit drugs in Pakistan.

Can the public submit medicines for testing?

Usually through a complaint. Report to DRAP on 0800-03727 and an inspector can take a sample.

How long does testing take?

It varies with the tests needed and lab workload; alerts are published once results are confirmed. See also: Counterfeit drugs in Pakistan.

Sources & references

Updated 11 November 2026. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.

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Counterfeit & Substandard Medicines

What fake, spurious and substandard medicines are and how they are caught.

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