Photo courtesy ORAU
Compliance with this international standard demonstrates the highest level of accuracy for testing and calibration
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education’s (ORISE) Radiological and Environmental Analytical Laboratory has received A2LA accreditation for ISO/IEC 17025, an international standard that ensures the quality and accuracy of laboratory equipment calibration and sampling analysis. A2LA, short for American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, is an accreditation body that confirms laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
To achieve the accreditation, A2LA conducted a rigorous evaluation of the laboratory’s technical competence and quality management systems. The assessment began with a significant gap analysis, which had more than 1,000 lines of inquiries detailing the requirements for a proper management system, a sound quality system, and a competent technical system of sample analysis. The evaluation also required a four-day, onsite assessment performed by an A2LA inspector, a press release said.
“When it comes to laboratory testing and equipment calibration, ISO/IEC 17025 is the highest standard of quality in the world,” said Andy Page, president and chief executive officer for ORAU, the managing contractor for ORISE. “This distinction is a great differentiator for ORISE, and it provides our customers with the assurance that the Radiological and Environmental Analytical Laboratory is able to consistently produce accurate and precise results.”
ORAU operates the ORISE Radiological and Environmental Analytical Laboratory in Oak Ridge for analysis of environmental samples and other media in support of characterization and independent verification projects, the press release said. The laboratory is specifically designed to analyze soil, water, air filters, wipes, vegetation, and biota; however, the lab is also capable of analyzing other types of matrices based on customer requirements. On average, the laboratory has achieved greater than 99 percent accurate results on external performance evaluations and participates in regular internal and external quality assurance audits to ensure the highest quality standards.
In December, ORAU announced it had achieved ISO 9001:2015 registration for quality management systems, and the organization renewed its ISO 14001 registration for excellence in environmental management systems in 2011. The ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 registrations are bestowed by the International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission, a joint technical committee for standards in information technology and information and communications technology.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is a world-class DOE institute designed to strengthen a scientific workforce; promote the integrity of scientific research through peer review; provide 24/7 medical response to radiation accidents; evaluate human health data to protect workers from occupational hazards; and conduct independent environmental cleanup assessments, the press release said.
A2LA is the largest U.S.-based, multi-discipline accreditation body with more than 35 years of experience providing internationally recognized accreditation services and quality training. A2LA’s world-class accreditation services encompass testing and calibration laboratories, medical testing laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers, and product certification bodies, the press release said. Organizations are accredited to international standards and field-specific requirements developed with government and industry collaboration. A2LA also offers a wide variety of both public and private on-site training programs to complement the various accreditation programs.
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