Laboratory accreditation is necessary for testing, inspection, and production of products for human use. Accreditation agencies vary by country, and routine inspections are conducted to ensure compliance. Accreditation increases consumer confidence and establishes trust in the marketplace. It is mandatory for some industry-specific programs and involves interpreting agency guidelines for compliance. An accredited laboratory is considered to have high standards and quality.
There are different types of laboratory accreditation for virtually every type of laboratory, and the accreditation required for any given laboratory depends on the experimental methods and materials used in the laboratory, as well as any occupational hazards. Although most types of accreditation are recognized at the national level, there are also some international agencies for laboratory accreditation. In general, laboratory accreditation is available to test facilities, product certification companies, and proficiency testing sites. Other areas of accreditation involve calibration, inspection, and reference material providers. Accreditation is vital to the success of any laboratory involved in the testing, inspection or production of products intended for human use or exposure.
Most accrediting agencies are not-for-profit public service providers that require membership. The International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC) is involved in the development of accreditation systems, harmonizing accreditation efforts worldwide and the ILAC agreement, which provides global recognition of test, inspection and calibration data for organizations that have ILAC approval. The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) provides a similar framework on a national scale. National programs can vary greatly from country to country in their requirements for successful inspection and subsequent accreditation. To maintain accreditation status, most agencies conduct routine inspections to ensure continued compliance.
Clinical research laboratories and environmental science laboratories are typically accredited as a means of gaining nationwide credibility for their work. Companies involved in testing or inspections seek accreditation to increase consumer confidence. It is one thing to have a “certified” product, but if the certification body is not accredited, the stamp of approval is less valuable. The most successful research and testing facilities have multiple accreditations as a way to further increase customer confidence and establish trust in the marketplace.
Laboratory accreditation is mandatory for some common industry-specific programs such as energy efficiency, animal research, and product safety. Most of these programs are trusted and supported by the government because they are accredited by a reputable agency. There are other programs for wastewater treatment facilities, food testing labs, and air quality testing.
Obtaining laboratory accreditation involves the ability to interpret the accreditation agency’s guidelines for compliance. There may be accreditation-related training programs available for assistance. An accredited laboratory is generally considered to have high standards and high quality. The accreditation pathway can provide a foundational framework for developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance (QA) inspections during the early stages of business development. Special documentation may be required before obtaining full accreditation.
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