Accreditation is the process in which organizations are formally recognized based on their compliance to international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025. Accreditation from an established accrediting body, such as A2LA, ensures an organization’s competency and promotes high quality service and
The A2LA Annual Conference 2026: Early Registration, Networking, and More!
Get Ready for A2LA’s Premier Event of the Year — AnnCon26! This highly anticipated annual gathering brings together the best minds in accreditation, conformity assessment, laboratory science, and quality management. Join industry leaders, innovators, and peers as we shape the future of
ISO 20387 vs ISO 15189: Which one does my organization need?
In August of 2018, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released the first standard specific to biobanks, ISO 20387. Because medical laboratories and biobanks have many functions in common, there are areas of overlap between this standard and ISO 15189:2022 for medical
Looking at Risk Through Different Lenses
The current landscape of international ISO/IEC requirements is shifting to allow organizations to take a more flexible approach on areas of standards that were once more prescriptive. With these changes on the forefront, the topic on most everyone’s mind is risk. The term “risk” is a bit more
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation Opens Call for Speakers for 2026 Annual Conference
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Conference to be held April 12-15, 2026, in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Frederick, Md (October 17, 2025)— The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), a global accreditation body, has opened its call for speakers for the A2LA Annual
ISO 13485 Certification vs ISO 15189 Accreditation for Laboratory Developed Testing (LDTs)
While accreditation and certification are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct concepts. However, both certification and accreditation can apply to the same field and complement each other. Certification and Accreditation: What’s the Difference? ISO defines certification as the
A2LA Launches Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program
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,
5 Scope Expansion FAQs
There are many reasons an organization would choose to undergo a scope expansion. Perhaps your organization has updated a method with new technology or equipment, or your customers are asking for a service you already provide to be accredited. Maybe industry regulators have updated their