Test laboratories
Field Of Work
A test laboratory establishes the properties of something. How many bacteria are there in the meat? How much harmful radiation does a device emit? How many heavy metals are in the water? This is often established using measuring equipment. This equipment therefore has to be calibrated by a calibration laboratory. The test results are supplied to the client who then determines the meaning of the results. Is this brick hard enough for road use? Is this drinking water suitable for consumption? And so on. In principle, everything that can be measured is tested by a laboratory. The field of work of a test laboratory is therefore broad.
Accreditation
The IAAS accredits test laboratories on the basis of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. Accredited laboratories are obliged to participate in proficiency testing: testing whereby the test results from various laboratories are compared against each other.
Medical laboratories
Field Of Work
Medical laboratories are laboratories that focus specifically on the healthcare sector. If, for example, a doctor or specialist requires information about the blood, urine or tissue of a patient in order for a diagnosis to be made on the basis of this information or to check the effectiveness of a treatment, he or she engages the services of a medical laboratory. These laboratories are mainly found in hospitals, however, there are also independent medical laboratories. A medical laboratory employs specialists who are able to interpret the test results and advise the client accordingly. Like test laboratories medical laboratories also use calibrated equipment.
Accreditation
The IAAS accredits medical laboratories on the basis of the ISO 15189 standard. Accredited laboratories are obliged to participate in proficiency testing: testing whereby the test results from various laboratories are compared against each othe
Proficiency testing organisers
Field Of Work
Calibration laboratories, test laboratories and medical laboratories regularly have to take part in proficiency testing as stated in ILAC document ILAC-P9. For a proficiency test various laboratories are sent the same sample, which could be blood, sludge or drinking water for example. Afterwards the measuring results are independently compared to a reference value or to the combined results of all participants.
Accreditation
For accredited laboratories the use of ISO/IEC 17043 accredited proficiency testing organisers is preferred.
Producers of reference materials
FIELD OF WORK
Calibration laboratories, test laboratories and medical laboratories regularly have to take part in proficiency testing as stated in ILAC document ILAC-P9. For a proficiency test various laboratories are sent the same sample, which could be blood, sludge or drinking water for example. Afterwards the measuring results are independently compared to a reference value or to the combined results of all participants.
ACCREDITATION
For accredited laboratories the use of ISO/IEC 17043 accredited proficiency testing organisers is preferred.