Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of laboratory testing and calibration. Two important accreditations in the field of analytical testing are ISO 17025 and ISO 17034. While both certifications are essential for maintaining consistent quality, they have distinct purposes and focus areas. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accreditation, highlighting their unique benefits and significance.
ISO 17025: Laboratory Competence
ISO 17025 accreditation is designed for testing and calibration laboratories and assesses their competence to produce reliable and accurate results. It encompasses various factors, including technical competence, quality management, and adherence to specific criteria. Laboratories with ISO 17025 accreditation have demonstrated their ability to consistently deliver trustworthy and high-quality testing services.
The importance of ISO 17025 becomes evident when considering its impact on laboratory operations. It ensures impartiality, competency, and reliable performance in conducting tests, calibrations, and sampling. ISO 17025-certified laboratories follow standardized methods and procedures, implement robust quality control measures, and regularly participate in proficiency testing to validate their accuracy and precision.
ISO 17034: Reference Material Producers
While ISO 17025 focuses on accrediting the laboratory's capabilities, ISO 17034 accreditation is specific to producers of reference materials. Reference materials are essential for validating measurement results, calibrating instruments, and ensuring analytical traceability. ISO 17034 evaluates the competence of reference material producers to ensure the integrity and reliability of the materials they produce.
Reference materials are characterized by their known properties, such as composition, purity, and stability, and are used as a benchmark for calibration and quality control. ISO 17034-certified producers must adhere to strict guidelines to maintain consistency in material production, packaging, labeling, and homogeneity. This accreditation assures users that the reference materials they obtain are accurate, traceable, and suitable for their intended purpose.
Why Are Reference Materials Used in a Laboratory?
Reference materials serve as critical tools in laboratory testing and calibration. Here are some reasons why they are indispensable:
- Method Validation: Reference materials help verify the accuracy and reliability of analytical methods, improving confidence in measurement results.
- Instrument Calibration: Reliable reference materials allow laboratories to calibrate their instruments accurately. Calibration is crucial for ensuring traceability and the reliability of measurement data.
- Quality Assurance: By using reference materials, laboratories can monitor the performance of their procedures and instruments, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
- Comparative Analysis: Reference materials facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons and proficiency testing, enhancing the credibility and reliability of analytical results.
- Traceability: Reference materials provide a link to internationally recognized measurement standards, establishing traceability and ensuring result comparability across different laboratories.
ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accreditations play distinct but complementary roles in the realm of laboratory testing and calibration. ISO 17025 ensures the competence and reliability of testing laboratories, while ISO 17034 ensures the quality and consistency of reference materials used in those laboratories. Together, these accreditations contribute to the overall integrity and trustworthiness of analytical results in various industries.
By choosing certified reference materials (CRMs) produced by an ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accredited company, organizations can have confidence in the accuracy, reliability, and traceability of their testing and calibration processes.
CPI International supplies both inorganic and organic standards as well as pH buffers and conductivity solutions that meet these high levels of quality.