Lab Accreditation Issues – Can a Lab Perform Tests Outside Its ISO Scope?
Good Morning All!
Check your outside lab's accreditations and know them!
Also, if you want all your samples to be tested at a lab that is ISO accredited for that test... make sure you specify that. It is apparently now not the default.
Had an interesting occurrence last week.
We have been having... issues... with our main outside lab. We had a customer complaint into high micro that we could not replicate, however noticed during this that the USP testing being completed at the local branch of the very large, very known testing lab, was being completed without the USP tests being listed on their accreditation.
Once this came to light, we asked multiple times in email and on a phone call to discuss, if they had USP accreditation at this location. They were very cagey and did not want to answer a solid yes or no. This was a major red flag to us.
At this point, I emailed them to let them know we need the accredited labs added to our account and started sending all USP samples to the lab that is accredited.
We received a COA from them last week that had the sample being transferred back to the local lab that does not have those tests on their cert.
Upon noticing and asking, they stated finally admitted that the local lab is not ISO accredited for these tests, and came back with "Can you advise on when you requested an ISO accredited lab to be used, as I do not see it in your account."
Saying we are disappointed is an understatement at this point. I'd like to know people's thoughts as I thought, especially if a lab is ISO accredited, that they would only test samples under their accreditation and (at labs where transfers are common) ensure that the samples are transferred to a lab that is accredited. Never heard of a lab running micro tests, especially USP, at a lab that is certified for other methods but not that one.
I have always asked for accreditation PRIOR to submitting any materials to any lab and keep a copy on file
Never came across your experience and one would think the onous would/should be on them not the other way around
Man... that's dodgey for sure. Any lab I've ever used would never do that. I'd question their integrity in general if I were you. I'd find a new lab.
ISO 17025 accreditation for the method and product you are testing is required to be able to make decisions on the results. Also important is the accreditation body to have some assurance that the certificate means something. If you require USP testing then the lab should be able to provide a certificate with that specific method cited.