ISO/IEC 17025 outlines the essential requirements that testing and calibration laboratories, as well as testing organizations, must meet to demonstrate that they run a quality system, have technical competence, and can produce reliable, valid results. This standard applies to everything from testing equipment to data sampling and establishes the necessary specifications for enhancing an organization’s quality assurance systems, and consequently, their quality control. Key aspects include testing and calibrating with standard, non-standard, and laboratory-developed methods.
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an International Standard that focuses on accrediting Testing and Calibration Laboratories. It encompasses both quality management system requirements and technical requirements to ensure that each laboratory is adequately equipped to perform specific tests and calibration tasks.
How ISO 17025 Enhances Laboratory Quality:
- Assesses staff, methods, tools, calibration procedures, and reporting processes to ensure valid test results.
- Demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to operational efficiency and quality management.
- Establishes strict quality controls for selecting and validating methods, analyzing data, and managing information.
- Removes the need for separate audits by suppliers, leading to time and cost savings.
- Enhances the reputation and credibility of the laboratory.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory and safety requirements and meets the expectations of customers and regulatory bodies.
- Confirms the quality, competence, and expertise of the laboratory.
- Clarifies staff accountability and defines individual roles.
- Expands opportunities to compete for contracts on a global scale.