Obtaining laboratory accreditation – required activities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the activities needed to meet specified requirements to assist laboratory staff running tests and calibrations and to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant literature that contributes to establishing activities that help laboratory staff to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation was studied. Laboratory researchers specializing in electro-medical equipment quality control were questioned about the criteria to be observed when selecting, developing and validating analytical steps.

Findings

Results revealed the analytical method criteria to be observed, which demonstrated their essentially quantitative nature.

Originality/value

This study presents a model that improves selecting, developing and validating analytical steps and contributes to producing reliable test and calibration results. These improvements can help laboratory testing and calibration to meet clients’ needs, satisfy specified requirements and provide reliable results.

Citation

Macchi Silva, V.V. and Ribeiro, J.L.D. (2019), "Obtaining laboratory accreditation – required activities", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 71-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-10-2017-0191