Internal Audit ISO 17025 testing and calibration laboratories

The main objectives of an ISO/IEC 17025 internal audit are to assess the technical competence of the laboratory, verify compliance with regulatory requirements, evaluate impartiality and promote continual improvement. By conducting an audit to this standard, laboratories can demonstrate their competence and reliability, which in turn enables them to provide reliable results to their customers and maintain their reputation in the industry. 

Assessment of technical competence: The assessment involves reviewing the training, experience and skills of technical personnel, as well as the procedures used to perform tests and calibrations. The audit ensures that personnel are adequately trained and have the necessary experience and training to perform tests and assays accurately and reliably. 

Verification of compliance with regulatory requirements: Another important goal of the audit is to ensure that the laboratory complies with the requirements set out in ISO/IEC 17025. This includes the review of the quality management system documentation, the implementation of the required procedures and the existence of appropriate records. The audit seeks to identify any gaps or non-conformities with the requirements of the standard and provides recommendations for improvement of the laboratory’s quality management system. 

Assessment of impartiality: Impartiality is a fundamental aspect of any ISO/IEC 17025 audit. The objective is to ensure that the laboratory is impartial and has no interest in the outcome of the tests or calibrations it performs. This involves reviewing the laboratory’s impartiality policy, as well as any conflicts of interest that may exist. The audit evaluates the laboratory’s independence and its ability to make decisions based solely on technical and scientific criteria. 

Continuous improvement: The ISO/IEC 17025 audit also seeks to promote continuous improvement in the laboratory. The auditors review the laboratory’s quality management processes and provide recommendations to optimize them. This includes identifying areas for improvement, correcting nonconformities and establishing corrective and preventive actions. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the laboratory maintains and constantly improves its technical competence and the quality of its results. 

Performing an ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Audit in a testing and calibration laboratory brings with it a number of benefits and advantages that are essential to ensure technical competence, impartiality and quality of results. The following are some of the main benefits of carrying out this internal audit: 

1. Regulatory compliance: it will allow to ensure that the laboratory complies with the requirements set out in the standard. This ensures that processes and procedures conform to international standards and that the laboratory operates in accordance with recognized industry best practices. By meeting these requirements, the laboratory is positioned as a reliable and competent entity. 
2. Increased confidence: By performing an ISO/IEC 17025 Internal Audit, the laboratory’s commitment to quality and technical competence is demonstrated. This generates confidence in both internal and external customers of the laboratory. The results of the audit can be used as a tool to highlight the quality and reliability of the services offered. Also, compliance with international standards strengthens the laboratory’s position in the market and can open up new business opportunities. 
3. Efficiency and effectiveness: It will help to identify areas where resources and processes can be optimized. By eliminating unnecessary or inefficient activities, the laboratory can improve productivity and reduce costs. In addition, by ensuring that procedures are executed correctly from the outset, the need for rework is minimized and the effectiveness of the results generated is maximized. 
4. Preparation for accreditation audits: An ISO 17025 Internal Audit can be considered as a dress rehearsal for accreditation. By subjecting the laboratory to a rigorous internal assessment process, experience and knowledge is gained on the key aspects that accreditation auditors can assess. This allows the laboratory to be better prepared and more confident when facing future accreditation audits.