Very few lab personnel would say they enjoy someone watching over their shoulder while they run a test or a mock inspection. Even fewer enjoy being questioned about a quality management system that perhaps even they find confusing. It’s understandable that assessments can cause you and your
The Importance of FRE 702 in Forensic Expert Testimony
Federal Rule of Evidence (FRE) 702 is crucial for forensic expert testimony because the trial judge acts as a gatekeeper who determines whether the proposed expert evidence is sufficiently reliable and relevant before being presented to the jury. There is an emphasis in the amendment of FRE 702 that
LAAF at a Glance: What You Need to Know
The Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) Program is an FDA program established under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2022 to improve the accuracy and reliability of certain food testing through standardized accreditation requirements and increased regulatory
Why ISO/IEC 17020 Matters in Fire Investigations
Determining the origin and cause of a fire requires more than technical expertise. Fire investigators must be able to demonstrate that their conclusions are based on consistent methods, properly collected evidence, qualified personnel, and well-documented processes. As their clients increasingly
What’s New With ILCs? Taking a Look at PT6 in R103
Recently, A2LA updated R103 – General Requirements – Proficiency Testing for Conformity Assessment Bodies. Two significant changes include incorporating more credence into interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) throughout the document and adding a new requirement for conformity assessment bodies (CABs)
Two Paths to Quality: Strengthening NAHLN Through Independent Third-Party Accreditation
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) is a nationwide network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories that protects animal health, agriculture, and public health. NAHLN was launched in 2002 with the goal of creating a connected network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories that could
Building One Quality System by Understanding Quality System Essentials (QSEs)
Quality System Essentials, or QSEs, are often referred to as the building blocks of a quality management system. Used across a wide range of industries, QSEs provide a common framework for developing standards, regulations, and accreditation requirements. Organizing requirements by QSE makes it
A2LA Presents Expanded Service Capabilities Supporting Accreditation Industry at Boulder Office Open House
Boulder, Co (September 18, 2026)— The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), a global, nonprofit accreditation body, presented its expanded service capabilities to stakeholders at its Boulder Office Open House on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 in honor of its grand opening one year