The FBI has approved changes to the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025. Your organization can prepare by reviewing pre-issuance copies as well as the
New Accreditation Service: HEAL Requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 Competition Animal Drug Testing Laboratories
In 2023, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) began enforcement of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. A2LA’s Competition Animal Drug Testing Laboratory Program is recognized by HIWU, and meets the requirements of their
Corrective Actions: A Breakdown
As much as we attempt to avoid nonconformities (NCs), they are bound to occur regardless of the competencies, written instructions, and preventative risk mitigation in place within an organization. Nonconformities can come from internal and external audits, complaints, feedback, or all varieties
Accreditation Case Study: Montana Department of Justice Forensic Science Division
The Montana Department of Justice’s Forensic Science Division is the only forensic laboratory in the state with facilities in Missoula and Billings. With about 40 scientists, the division serves law enforcement agencies throughout the state along with the medical examiner’s office. The laboratory
The New NIST Hemp RM: An Opportunity for the Hemp Testing Industry
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) now offers a hemp reference material (RM) that will help hemp testing laboratories accurately measure core compounds in hemp and cannabis plant products. This development is a significant new opportunity for the hemp industry because hemp
Explaining ISO/IEC 17025 Competency Requirements
Accreditation proves an organization’s ability to perform work competently, which is why ISO/IEC 17025 places a heavy emphasis on personnel competency within section 6.2. This section of the standard contains several requirements—mainly covered in clauses 6.2.2 and 6.2.5—and it is one of the top ten
National Industrial Hemp Council Offers New Member Discount to Hemp Testing Laboratories for A2LA-NIHC Verify Joint Recognition Program
NIHC Verify Membership fee lowers to $325 per year for new hemp testing laboratories entering the program for the first two years Frederick, Md (October 29, 2024) – The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) have announced a
Accreditation Case Study: PT Canada
Accreditation bodies, like A2LA, accredit PTPs to ISO/IEC 17043, the general requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers, to provide third-party assurance and give customers confidence in the quality of the program. PT Canada (PTC), an A2LA accredited proficiency testing