Laboratory Accreditation
The Global Accreditation for Certification Systems (GACS) provides accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for the laboratories that carry out testing and calibration services. This accreditation plays an important role in supporting the provision of accurate and reliable results from laboratory testing, calibration, sampling, and measurement services across many sectors.
GACS accreditation assesses factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, accurate tests and data including the technical competence of staff, the validity and appropriateness of test methods, the suitability and maintenance of test equipment, the testing environment, sampling, handling, and transportation of test items, and the quality assurance of test data.
The technical competence of a laboratory depends on a number of factors including:
- The qualifications, training and experience of the staff
- The right equipment – properly calibrated and maintained
- Adequate quality assurance procedures
- Proper sampling practices
- Appropriate testing procedures
- Valid test methods
- Traceability of measurements to national standards
- Accurate recording and reporting procedures
- Suitable testing facilities
Resources
- Accreditation Criteria for Laboratories
- Application for Laboratory Accreditation
- Request for a quote