White Paper

ISO/IEC 17025:2017—A Selection of Implementation Tools

White Paper

How to Optimize Processes and Stay Competitive

The white paper ISO/IEC 17025:2017—A Selection of Implementation Tools presents best practices on how the standard can be best put into practice
The white paper ISO/IEC 17025:2017—A Selection of Implementation Tools presents best practices on how the standard can be best put into practice

What Is It and How Is It Relevant for Practice?

ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, has become the international benchmark for testing and calibration labs, demonstrating their ability to deliver reliable results. Compliance with ISO 17025 certifies that first, second, or third-party laboratories are competent in testing, calibrating, and sampling. It also assures potential customers and financial supporters. Moreover, ISO 17025 is the sole internationally recognized standard for laboratory quality systems, offering a globally accepted basis for accreditation.

Laboratories that continuously provide high-quality services tend to be successful in the marketplace. Using the ISO 17025 standard will assure quality improvement and consistency in an organization. The white paper ISO/IEC 17025:2017—A Selection of Implementation Tools gives tips on how the new standard can be best put into practice.

Call for Quote

The first version (ISO Guide 25) of this standard was published in 1999, by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The second version was released in 2005, which is more aligned with the ISO 9001:2000 standard regarding quality system words.

ISO 17025:2005 specifies the general requirements a laboratory has to meet if it is to be recognized as competent to carry out tests and/or calibrations, including sampling. It covers testing and calibration performed using standardized methods, methods not covered by standardized methods, and laboratory-developed methods.

Since the standard was last issued, the working environment of the laboratories has changed significantly, which has led to the decision to revise ISO/IEC 17025 and incorporate significant changes.

The standard now recognizes and incorporates the use of computer systems, electronic records, and the production of electronic results and reports. Modern-day laboratories work increasingly with information and communication technologies, so a chapter on this topic was developed. In addition, the latest version of the standard includes a chapter on risk-based thinking and describes the commonalities with ISO 9001:2015.

Our white paper ISO/IEC 17025:2017—A Selection of Implementation Tools gives tips on how the standard can be best put into practice. It highlights:

  • Support tools and services for equipment selection and installation
  • Solutions that identify equipment readiness and result validity
  • Expertise to achieve metrological traceability
  • Compliance support to establish audit-proof processes
  • Systems and software to reach data integrity