Our life relies on validated tests in more ways than we realize. Most things around us undergo testing of which we do not event think. The food we eat, the water we drink, the clothing we wear, the laptops we work on, all undergo testing in laboratories prior to entering the market. Needless to say, the accuracy of tests is of paramount importance.

But how can we be sure of the accuracy of the tests? Unfortunately, inaccurate tests can lead to dire, even lethal, consequences, after all. And this is precisely the reason why being certified to ISO 17025 can make a world of difference for the accuracy of results produced by testing and calibration laboratories.

ISO 17025 is the international standard that specifies the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, creating a framework for organizations to ensure that their laboratories operate effectively to produce valid and dependable results. Reputable organizations with laboratories seek to achieve ISO 17025 Certification. For instance, Eurofins Scientific, which is known for its extensive laboratory services, including pharmaceutical testing, has achieved ISO 17025 certification across many of its facilities, leading to improvements in efficiency and client satisfaction.

Organizations benefit greatly when their laboratories are certified to ISO 17025.

Enhanced Credibility and Market Recognition – Achieving ISO 17025 certification enhances an organization’s credibility in the marketplace. It demonstrates a commitment to quality and reliability, making it easier to gain the trust of clients and stakeholders.  For example, laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 are often preferred by customers and regulatory bodies, leading to increased business opportunities.

Improved Operational Efficiency – ISO 17025 helps organizations streamline their processes, reducing errors and improving efficiency.  Laboratories that implement the standard often report a decrease in operational costs. According to a study by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), organizations that adopt ISO standards can see operational efficiency improvements of up to 30%.

Accurate and Reliable Results – ISO 17025 ensures that testing and calibration results are valid and reliable.  This is crucial in industries where precision is paramount, such as pharmaceuticals, food safety, and environmental testing.  For example, a laboratory conducting food safety tests must provide accurate results to ensure public health.  Certification under ISO 17025 assures clients that the laboratory adheres to stringent quality standards. When the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a survey of laboratories that have achieved ISO 17025 Certification, it found that testing errors in those labs were reduced by as much as 70%, which a huge statistically significant improvement.

Regulatory Compliance – Many industries are governed by strict regulations that require laboratories to meet specific standards.  ISO 17025 certification helps organizations comply with these regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.  For example, laboratories involved in environmental testing must provide reliable data to regulatory bodies, and ISO 17025 certification can facilitate this process.

Expanded Market Access – ISO 17025 accreditation can open doors to new markets for organizations. Many international clients, regulators, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) require ISO 17025 certification as a prerequisite for doing business.  For instance, a calibration laboratory seeking to work with clients in Europe must have ISO 17025 certification to meet EU regulations.

Increased Revenue and Client Satisfaction – When laboratories produce accurate results they ensure safety on many fronts. This also provides peace of mind and increased trust leading to increased client satisfaction. The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) has reported that laboratories that have achieved ISO 17025 Certification tend to have a 50% lower rate of customer complaints compared to non-accredited labs. This makes a huge difference in the quality of customer experience, and is good for the bottom line of those laboratories as well.

Achieving ISO 17025 Certification is of vital importance for testing and calibration laboratories. The ISO 17025 standard provides a reliable framework for quality management.  By achieving ISO 17025 certification, organizations enhance their credibility, improve operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and gain access to new markets, increase customer satisfaction, and improve their revenue outcomes.  In a world where accuracy and reliability are requisite factors, ISO 17025 Certification serves as a hallmark of excellence, driving continuous improvement and fostering trust in laboratory results.

Reach out to our IBEC experts today to guide you on your path to achieving ISO 17025 Certification!