Implementation and Practical Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 in a Testing Laboratory

Abstract

The Paper presents a study of laboratory accreditation in a testing laboratory, the implementation steps and the practical benefits derived from such an enterprise. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 – General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories is the standard used for laboratory accreditation. An evaluation and comparison of the quality system in a case study laboratory, XYZ Laboratory, to the quality management system of an accredited laboratory showed that some of the requirements of the standard were being met to some extent while some clauses required the development of appropriate procedures before implementation could occur. The precision of the laboratory results was also investigated and found to reach acceptable levels. The impacts and benefits of accreditation were analysed. It was found out that though workload increases along with running costs with laboratory accreditation, the multiple advantages like marketing advantage and international recognition outweigh the difficulties encountered while setting up the system. The feasibility of accreditation showed that laboratory accreditation is a demanding process and it requires significant investment, in the preliminary stages. The cost issue will require the financial support of top management. An implementation guideline for ISO/IEC 17025:2005,  addressing all the requirements of the standard has been developed for this study. It can be used as a guide to implement a quality management system in a testing laboratory. Results, discussions and recommendations have led to the conclusion that laboratory accreditation is a challenging process. The success of the implementation of a quality management system, based on ISO/IEC 17025:2005, is achievable if there is commitment from top management and through adequate staff involvement.