The ISO 17025 accreditation is the benchmark standard for ensuring technical competence, reliability of results, and process quality in the testing and calibration laboratory sector. Obtaining this accreditation is a requirement in many regulated industries and also represents a competitive advantage that strengthens the trust of clients and certification bodies.
To obtain ISO 17025 accreditation, you need an accredited provider such as GSC. We support laboratories at every stage of the accreditation journey, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and continuous improvement. But what does ISO 17025 accreditation involve? Here we explain its benefits and the steps to successfully achieve it.
What is ISO 17025 accreditation?
The ISO 17025 standard establishes the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Its main objective is to ensure that laboratories produce reliable and traceable results, which is essential in sectors such as agri-food, pharmaceutical, industrial, and environmental.
Accreditation under this standard means that an independent body, such as ENAC (Entidad Nacional de Acreditación) in Spain, evaluates compliance with regulatory requirements and the laboratory’s ability to generate valid and reproducible results.
Requirements for ISO 17025 accreditation
To achieve accreditation, a laboratory must meet a series of technical and management requirements, including:
Personnel competence
Analysts and technicians must have the appropriate training and experience to carry out tests and calibrations accurately. Continuous training is essential to ensure constant improvement and knowledge updates.
Validation of testing methods
The methods used must be validated to demonstrate their suitability and reproducibility under controlled conditions. This ensures that the results are reliable and accepted by clients and regulatory bodies.
Traceability of measurements
All measuring equipment must be calibrated, and its traceability must be verifiable against international standards, allowing comparability of results among laboratories.
Quality management
The laboratory must implement a documented quality management system, including procedures for record control, internal audits, corrective action, and continuous improvement.
Participation in proficiency testing
To evaluate the laboratory’s performance and the reliability of its results, it is necessary to participate in proficiency testing with other accredited laboratories.
Steps to obtain ISO 17025 accreditation with GSC
At GSC we guide laboratories through every phase of the accreditation process, ensuring a structured and efficient approach:
- Initial diagnosis: Assessment of the laboratory’s current state and identification of gaps against the ISO 17025 standard.
- Development of the quality management system: Implementation of procedures, documentation, and staff training.
- Method validation and quality assurance: Verification of test reliability through intercomparisons and internal audits.
- Accreditation request and ENAC audit: Submission to the accrediting body and support throughout the evaluation process.
- Follow-up and continuous improvement: Guidance to maintain accreditation and adapt to new regulations or changes in standards.
ISO 17025 accreditation is a fundamental step for any laboratory seeking to guarantee the reliability of its tests, improve competitiveness, and comply with international regulations. Achieving it requires effort and commitment, but the benefits in terms of quality, recognition, and efficiency make it well worthwhile.
At GSC, as an accredited provider, we are experts in the laboratory accreditation process and offer tailored solutions to facilitate compliance with ISO 17025 requirements. If your laboratory is in the process of accreditation or looking to improve its quality management, contact us and discover how we can help you achieve excellence.
