To validate results, from blood tests to drug tests, to equipment calibrations, we rely on testing laboratories. The importance of the validity of test results cannot be overestimated. For instance, because of accurate test results, a person’s life may be saved by choosing a certain course of treatment. Conversely, inaccurate forensic test results can send an innocent person to prison for life. Indeed, the accuracy of laboratory measurements can have a huge impact on people’s lives and organizational outcomes. So, how can we be sure that we can trust those test results? That’s when ISO 17025 comes into the picture.

ISO 17025 is the international standard that specifies the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.  This standard provides a framework for organizations to ensure that their laboratories operate effectively and produce valid and reliable results. The standard covers both management and technical requirements, making it a comprehensive tool for improving laboratory practices.

Achieving certification to ISO 17025 goes a long way to improving the accuracy and reliability of test results. According to a survey by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 can reduce testing errors by as much as 70%. Similarly, data from the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) indicates that ISO 17025-accredited laboratories tend to have a 50% lower rate of customer complaints compared to non-accredited labs.

ISO 17025 specifies certain requirements, which include:

Management Requirements – These include quality management systems, organizational structure, as well as resource management, which ensure that laboratories are well-organized and equipped to deliver accurate results.

Technical Requirements – These focus on the laboratory's ability to produce valid results through proper testing methods, equipment calibration, as well as personnel competence.

Continuous Improvement – ISO 17025 encourages laboratories to continually assess and improve their processes, fostering a culture of quality and excellence. These continuous improvement practices are of vital importance to many industries, including pharmaceuticals, water and food safety, as well as environmental testing testing laboratories.

ISO 17025 is a vital standard for testing and calibration laboratories. It provides a solid framework for quality management.  By achieving ISO 17025 certification, organizations enhance their credibility, improve operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and gain access to new markets.  In the testing laboratory world where the accuracy of test results has life and death implications, where a food pathogen can make thousands of people ill, where a drug with incorrect dosage can kill people, where an inaccurate test result can deprive a person of freedom, accuracy and reliability are of paramount importance. So, ISO 17025 serves as a hallmark of high standards, driving operational efficiencies and continuous improvement. It also fostering trust in laboratory results. Getting certified to ISO 17025 for laboratories is not a nine-to-have proposition, but rather a must-have requirement.

Speak to IBEC experts today to get guidance on how to get certified to ISO 17025!