PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New program reflects organization’s commitment to supporting laboratories that safeguard indoor environments and protect public health
Frederick, Md (October 7, 2025)— The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), a global accreditation body, has launched an Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) for laboratories that perform microbiological analyses of samples such as air, fluids, and bulk materials.
The program provides organizations with a clear framework for demonstrating technical competence and compliance with rigorous quality standards in environmental microbiology testing. By earning EMLAP accreditation, laboratories can validate the accuracy and reliability of their analyses while reinforcing confidence among clients, regulators, and the public.
In addition to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, EMLAP goes a step further by focusing on the unique challenges of environmental microbiology labs, addressing quality control of culture media per lot for sterility, microbial growth and/or analytical reactions, equipment considering microscope magnification and proficiency testing requirements requiring the lab to actively participate in and pass the most recent PT round from an approved provider.
“With the launch of our Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program, A2LA is proud to support laboratories that play a critical role in identifying and mitigating microbial risks,” said Trace McInturff, Vice President of Accreditation Services, A2LA. “This program not only reinforces the importance of technical excellence and rigorous quality systems but also helps laboratories demonstrate their commitment to protecting public health.”
Laboratories accredited to this program ensure personnel are performing their methods accurately, precisely, and consistently through regular intervals of audits and proficiency testing. Accreditation creates customer confidence, shows a commitment to quality, and builds a strong industry reputation.
Program requirements include ISO/IEC 17025 and the additional accreditation requirements found in A2LA R261 – Specific Requirements – Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program. For more information about this program, visit A2LA.org/accreditation/environmental-microbiology-laboratory-accreditation-program. For more information about A2LA, visit www.A2LA.org or contact us at info@A2LA.org.
Media Contact: Wallis Shamieh; wshamieh@A2LA.org; 301-644-3230
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A2LA is a non-profit, non-governmental, third-party accreditation organization offering internationally recognized accreditation services to testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, biobanking facilities, stand-alone sampling organizations, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers, and product certifiers. For more information, visit https://A2LA.org/.