The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes standards in nearly every possible sector. These are formulas that describe the best way of doing something, whether that’s making a product, managing a process, or developing a quality management system.

Forensic laboratories usually apply the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, which defines a quality management system and evaluates the technical competence in lab testing and calibration services. Published in 2017 in conjunction with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO/IEC 17025 specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories.

Accreditation

To become accredited, the laboratory is evaluated, or assessed, by a third party. In the United States the accrediting body is ANAB, the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) National Accreditation Board.

Receiving accreditation means the laboratory has met the general management and technical requirements of the ISO 17025 standards and is competent to produce testing and, if applicable, calibration results.

Importance of Accreditation

ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation demonstrates that the laboratory has an acceptable quality management system in place and it has the ability and competency to provide the services listed in its scope of accreditation (i.e. disciplines).

Areas that ISO/IEC 17025 evaluates includes:

• Quality management system
• Equipment traceability
• Technical competence of staff
• Risk management system
• Proficiency testing of calibration equipment
• Internal and external audits
• Uncertainty of measurements

Accreditation demonstrates the reliability of the laboratory’s results as well as the overall integrity, competence and quality of the management system. It enhances the organization’s perception as credible, trustworthy, and competent.

Accreditation Requirements (AR) for Forensic Testing and Calibration

Forensic laboratories pursuing accreditation will also need to need the standards and requirements outlined by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) in the supplemental document AR 3125.

Is Your Laboratory Accredited?

To find out if your laboratory is accredited in the United States, visit ANAB’s directory here.