ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is the single most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories around the world.  ISO 17025 accredited laboratory has demonstrated that they are technically proficient and able to produce precise and accurate tests and calibration data.

It is a third party reviewed process that ensures a laboratory’s quality management system is thoroughly evaluated on a regular basis.  Therefore, it guarantees a continuation of technical competence and compliance.

What is an Accredited Calibration Lab?

They deem a calibration lab accredited after a third-party organization evaluates that it is compliant with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.  ISO 17025 is a recognized global standard of quality and conformity.

There are a handful of factors that play into a laboratory, having regarded as competent and compliant with ISO 17025 standard. It is these factors ensure quality results.

If these components meet the requirements, then the laboratory receives recognition as having the highest level of technical competency. Thus, granted accreditation.

It Assesses These Factors

Laboratory accreditation bodies specifically use the ISO 17025 standard.  In order to assess factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data, including:

• Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards.
• Technical competence of staff.
• Maintenance of test equipment.
• Quality assurance of test and calibration data.
• Validity and appropriateness of test methods.
• Appropriate handling and transportation of test items.
• Quality of testing environment.

The Risks of Using Uncalibrated Equipment

It is important to take note that when calibrations are off, it will affect multiple areas of your lab including safety, productivity, and quality of work.  It can put people in the lab at risk, produce inaccurate results, along with process variance, inappropriate testing conditions, and poor documentation.

How does this Benefit Your Lab?

ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation helps you minimize risk by ensuring that you are choosing a technically competent lab that has a sound quality system in place. This also allows you to avoid expensive retesting.  It enhances your confidence in the service by assuring that it has been thoroughly evaluated by an independent, competent testing or calibration laboratory that has been assessed by a third party.

Working With an Accredited Lab

Think of calibration like regular maintenance.  It requires keeping a solid maintenance program, keeping the instruments calibrated, certificates of calibration, and detailed records.  However, in doing so you will avoid costly downtime and disruptions to your laboratory’s work schedule.

When choosing to have an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory calibrate your equipment, you can rest assured.  At SRP control systems, we will take care of your equipment and specifically do the job to meet your lab’s needs.  There will be no surprises, and your instruments and equipment will be accurate and compliant.