Accredited laboratories are verified by an accreditation body to conform to the technical requirements of ISO 17025. These include (but are not limited to):
- Suitable testing facilities
- Specific staff qualifications, training and experience
- Equipment fit for the purpose of testing – properly calibrated and maintained
- Traceability of measurements to national standards
- Adequate quality assurance (QA) procedures
- Ongoing internal auditing by independent QA personnel
- Appropriate and validated test methods
- Accurate recording and reporting procedures
- Inspections by accreditation bodies every 2 years
- Participation in Proficiency Testing