What is EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 ?

Title: Understanding EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017: The International Standard for the Competence, Impartiality, and Consistent Operation of Laboratories

The accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing are essential to various industries. To ensure the quality and reliability of laboratory results, laboratories must comply with various international standards. One such standard is EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017, an international standard that specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. This standard outlines the criteria laboratories must meet to demonstrate their ability to produce accurate and reliable test results.

Importance of EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017:

EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of laboratory testing. It provides a framework for laboratory accreditation bodies to assess the competence and capabilities of laboratories. Compliance with this standard helps establish confidence in the laboratory's ability to produce accurate and unbiased results, which are fundamental to various industries.

Why is the standard called ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and not ISO 17025:2017?

Most people are familiar with international standards such as ISO 9001, which outlines requirements for a quality management system. However, when it comes to testing and calibration laboratories, there is another important standard that stands out - ISO/IEC 17025:201This standard specifically addresses the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

The name of the standard is a reflection of its scope. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an international standard for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories, while ISO 17025:2017 is an international standard for the competence and capability of testing and calibration organizations.

Key aspects of EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017:

EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an comprehensive standard that encompasses all aspects of laboratory management, including personnel training, equipment calibration, quality assurance, and result reporting. It provides a framework for laboratory accreditation bodies to assess the competence and capabilities of laboratories.

The standard outlines the criteria laboratories must meet to demonstrate their ability to produce accurate and reliable test results. It is used as a benchmark to determine the technical competency and capability of a laboratory. When a laboratory meets the requirements of this standard, it demonstrates its ability to produce valid and reliable results, ultimately boosting confidence in the laboratory's services.

Conclusion:

EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an essential international standard for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. It is used as a benchmark to determine the technical competency and capability of a laboratory. Compliance with this standard helps establish confidence in the laboratory's ability to produce accurate and reliable test results, which are fundamental to various industries.