ISO/IEC 17025
ISO/IEC 17025 establishes a global standard for instrument
calibration and testing. It specifies the general requirements for
the competence to carry out tests and/or calibrations.
Laboratories use ISO/IEC 17025 to implement a quality system aimed at
improving their ability to consistently produce valid results and
is applicable to all laboratories regardless of the number of personnel
or the extent of the scope of testing and/or calibration activities.
Initially issued in 1999, ISO/IEC
17025 was revised in 2005 (ISO/IEC 17025:2005). The second version better aligned 17025 with ISO 9001.
Basic to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard is the
requirement for continual improvement. Regularly scheduled internal audits identify opportunities to make
testing or calibrating improvements. Laboratories are
also expected to remain up-to-date on scientific and
technological advances in relevant areas.
ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation
Laboratories compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 may be accredited by an internationally recognized external body.
This accreditation recognizes capability and competence of a laboratory to
perform specific tests and calibrations.
There are numerous accreditation bodies (AB) serving
different regions around the world. They operate
accreditation systems that are compliant with ISO/IEC
17011. A few of the accreditation bodies are:
- A2LA
- ACLASS
- China National Accreditation Service (CNAS)
- Dutch Accreditation Counsil (RvA)
- German Accreditation Service GmbH (DAkkS)
- National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
- The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation
Program (NVLAP)
- Standards COuncil of Canada (SCC)
The first step for a laboratory to become accredited
is to create and implement a documented quality
management system. The quality manual documents the
system and normally follows the structure of the ISO/IEC
17025 standard. A rigid on-site assessment process
includes staff interviews, demonstration of selected
calibration or tests, evaluation of compliance and
examination of lab equipment and calibration records.
Upon approval, a scope of accreditation is issued.
ISO/IEC 17025 related Information:
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