What is ISO 17025?
ISO 17025 is an international standard for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories. It defines the requirements for a quality management system, technical competence, and impartiality of a laboratory. The standard is applicable to all organizations that perform calibration or testing, including commercial, governmental, and in-house laboratories.
The key elements of ISO 17025 include:
Management requirements: This includes the development and implementation of a quality management system, with processes for continuous improvement, risk management, and customer satisfaction.
Technical requirements: This includes the demonstration of technical competence through the use of validated methods, the performance of regular proficiency testing, and the maintenance of adequate equipment and facilities.
Impartiality requirements: This includes the demonstration of impartiality in all aspects of the laboratory’s operations, including the selection of staff, the management of conflicts of interest, and the protection of confidential information.
The goal of ISO 17025 is to ensure that calibration and testing laboratories produce accurate and reliable results that are recognized and accepted internationally. Laboratories that meet the requirements of ISO 17025 can demonstrate their technical competence and impartiality, which is important for customers and stakeholders who rely on the results of their tests and calibrations.
