Are you looking to acquire more lab contracts but can't figure out a way to boost your laboratory credentials? Well, it might be easier than you think because you could apply for ISO 17025 lab accreditation that will help distinguish your laboratory from others. Lab accreditation is the perfect resource to show prospective clients that your work is backed by the International Organization of Standardization, which is recognized around the world as being the largest high quality standard-setting body.
With that in mind, ISO 17025 lab accreditation moves your laboratory towards global recognition that provides consistent operations and a competitive edge over others in your industry. When prospective clients seek competent testing facilities, such as your lab, they can get the assurance they need when they learn your lab is accredited for appropriate calibration and testing services. With that said, check out these tips that can prepare your lab for ISO 17025 accreditation.
1. Find an inspection agency
The ISO only trusts a few third-party accessors that can conduct a thorough evaluation of all the factors that are relevant to a laboratory's capability of producing precise, accurate calibration and testing data. So you'll need to find an inspection agency that is authorized by the ISO and complete their application for accreditation to begin the process. When you find the correction inspection body, such as ANAB, request to see guidelines before they start your lab inspection so you can understand what they are looking for and increase your odds of receiving the accreditation.
2. Specify your scope of services
Due to the fact that laboratory services can differ from one industry to the next, you want to prepare an outline of the abilities that your laboratory can provide. For instance, if your laboratory does blood work or tests the quality of food products, you need to define all of your services. After you have outlined all of your lab capabilities, you can now get into the details and enhance certain aspects of your services to meet the guidelines of ISO 17025 accreditation.
3. Communicate with staff
It is imperative to communicate with your staff that the laboratory is seeking accreditation because they can help you pin point an areas that need attention. For instance, if certain lab equipment needs to be repaired or replaced, you can take care of that issue before the accreditation assessment. Additionally, if your lab staff notes that some procedures or protocols need to be updated, you can take the time to address that as well.
4. Update Operational Procedures
Like mentioned above, your operational procedures, standard protocols and safety measures may need examination because they are important factors when it comes to accreditation. Unfortunately, far too often these documents or standards are just out of date and need an extensive overhaul. The accreditation inspectors will ask to review these materials and if you provide them with old documents or none at all, you can almost bet that your lab will not meet the requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation.
