ISO 17025 for Laboratory Competence has been fully revised

The international standard BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 has been fully revised and it applies to all organisations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel.

It looks at all of the requirements both testing and calibration laboratories have to meet. Providing them with a quality system in which they can operate effectively yet still making sure they are technically competent; and can generate technically valid results.

ISO standards are reviewed every couple of years. The 2017 update for ISO 17025 suggests the following improvements:

• Adds a definition of “laboratory”
• Applies risk-based thinking, replacing some prescriptive requirements with ones that are performance-based
• Introduces greater flexibility in the requirements for processes, procedures, documented information and organisational responsibilities

For the latest information or to increase confidence in your proficiency; call IMSM now for an informal discussion on how your laboratory can become ISO 17025 certified.