▌ Basic Overview of ISO17025 Testing/Calibration Laboratory Accreditation

IS017025 is an international standard for laboratory accreditation services. The latest version was released in May 2005. Its full name is ISO/IEC17025:2005-5-15 "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories". It is a laboratory management standard formulated by the International Organization for Standardization ISO/CASO (International Organization for Standardization/Conformity Assessment Committee). The predecessor of this standard is ISO/IEC Guide 25:1990 "Requirements for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories". The organization that manages laboratory accreditation internationally is the "International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)", which is participated by 44 laboratory accreditation bodies including the China National Accreditation Service for Laboratories (CNACL). ISO17025 certification is a formal recognition given by the laboratory accreditation body to the laboratory's ability to carry out specified types of testing and (or) calibration. It is a third-party certification that formally indicates that the testing and calibration laboratory has the ability to carry out specific testing and calibration work.

The ISO17025 standard mainly includes

Definition, organization and management, quality system, audit and review, personnel, facilities and environment, equipment and standard materials, traceability and calibration, calibration and test methods, sample management, records, certificates and reports, subcontracting of calibration or testing, external assistance and supply, complaints, etc. The core content of this standard is equipment and standard materials, traceability and calibration, calibration and test methods, and sample management. The focus of these contents is to evaluate whether the laboratory's calibration or testing capabilities meet the expected requirements.

▌   The role and significance of laboratory accreditation

1. Demonstrate the technical capability to carry out testing and calibration services in accordance with the relevant accreditation criteria:

2. Enhance market competitiveness and win the trust of government departments and all sectors of society:

3. Obtain recognition from accreditation bodies in countries and regions that have signed mutual recognition agreements

4. Have the opportunity to participate in bilateral and multilateral cooperation and exchanges on international conformity assessment body accreditation

5. Can use CNAS national laboratory accreditation mark and ILAC international mutual recognition joint mark within the scope of accreditation 6. Included in the list of approved accreditation bodies to increase visibility