The Importance of ISO 17025 for Laboratories

ISO/IEC 17025 is the most important standard for laboratories to implement, representing the international quality system for laboratory testing, recognized in Brazil by Inmetro (the national metrology, quality, and technology institute). It ensures accurate results and reliable calibration data, covering traceability, technical competence, maintenance of test equipment, quality assurance, appropriate test methods, proper handling and transport, quality of the test environment, and sampling.

Through this standard, a laboratory’s ability to carry out its activities with precision is formally attested, delivering high-quality, reliable results. The criteria established demonstrate the laboratory’s technical competence and the effective implementation of a management system, ensuring the production of valid results.

To ensure ongoing conformity, accredited laboratories undergo regular assessments to confirm that their level of technical knowledge is maintained. In addition, they are responsible for participating in periodic proficiency testing programs, continuously demonstrating their competence.

Also check out: ISO 17025 Accreditation Cost Spreadsheet

Key Benefits of ISO 17025 Accreditation Include:

Performance benchmark: Laboratory accreditation brings a range of benefits, ensuring quality and compliance with required standards. Regular independent technical assessments identify areas for improvement, ensuring the consistent production of accurate and reliable data. The benchmark provided by accreditation maintains performance, especially for laboratories operating in isolation, which are rarely evaluated externally. Ongoing monitoring by the accreditation body ensures corrective actions are implemented when necessary, increasing confidence in the quality of the services provided.

Demonstration of competence: assessment ensures that only trained, qualified, and authorized personnel perform laboratory tasks.

Professional approach to work: implementing ISO 17025 establishes a clear hierarchy and well-defined work responsibilities for all staff. The procedures and policies established by the laboratory determine the actions required of personnel, ensuring compliance with the organization’s expectations. This enables more efficient internal management, increasing the organization’s chances of success.

Advantages for clients: increases client confidence and avoids costly retesting. Clients feel the service is reliable because it is verified by a third party.

Time and cost savings: helps save time and money by reducing or eliminating the need to retest products.

In simple terms, a laboratory accredited to the 17025 standard has unquestionable credibility, with its results considered an accurate representation of what was calibrated or tested, without any doubt.

Watch Beyond the LIMS, the Actiz Podcast

In the fourth episode of Beyond the LIMS, we welcome Geraldo Fagundes, Technical Director at QLab Consultoria, for a conversation about the path to achieving ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and how digitalization, through a LIMS system, can simplify this process for laboratories across different segments.  Watch Beyond the LIMS, the Actiz podcast.

How Can Actiz Help You?

Achieving ISO 17025 compliance can be challenging for many laboratories. However, Actiz offers features that help ensure regulatory compliance, allowing the laboratory to meet the standard’s requirements more easily and efficiently, as shown in the diagram below:

Contact us and request a free demo to make sure your laboratory has the best management solution available today!