There is a growing trend of forensic organizations becoming accredited. This trend is for a variety of reasons, including state requirements, a means for receiving grants, or an organization’s desire to demonstrate that the work they perform is repeatable, reliable, defensible, and performed by
Interpreting the Language of ISO/IEC 17025
When seeking accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, a logical first step would be to read the standard and perform a gap analysis identifying which areas of the standard your organization may need to develop and implement. However, despite the best efforts of its authors, the standard isn’t exactly an easy
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
Common Calibration Certificate Findings
When working with clients that need accredited calibration services, ISO/IEC 17025 instructs laboratories on what is required for accredited calibration certificates in many sections, including 7.8.2.1, 7.8.4.1, and 7.8.6. These requirements are strengthened further by A2LA’s normative requirements
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
The 5 Whys: Finding Causes of Nonconformities
When a nonconformity occurs within a system, process, or product, the initial reaction individuals often have is to immediately correct the issue at hand. Although it is critical to ensure the nonconformity is addressed in an appropriate manner, it is also important to identify the potential causes
Testing Candy for a Safe and Happy Halloween
Halloween is here and there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday than by enjoying a few sweet treats! Trick or treating is a fun, time-honored tradition dating back more than 100 years and is rooted in ancient customs surrounding community, spirituality, and prosperity. And, whether you go
In-House Calibrations vs Internal Calibrations
Calibration laboratory personnel often use the terms “in-house calibration” and “internal calibration” interchangeably. Although they sound similar in meaning, these two terms have significantly different applications and using them interchangeably can often create confusion. It can also,