Templates
ISO 17025 checklist

ISO 17025 checklist

Use this template to assess your laboratory’s compliance with testing and calibration standards. It helps you identify gaps and prepare for audits.

Use this template
or download pdf
ISO 17025 checklist

Use this template to assess your laboratory’s compliance with testing and calibration standards. It helps you identify gaps and prepare for audits.

Use this template
or download pdf

About the ISO 17025 checklist

Laboratory managers, chemists, and metrologists should use an ISO 17025 checklist to ensure their laboratory operations are compliant with international standards. This checklist is an important tool that helps these professionals ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of their laboratory results. Using an ISO 17025 checklist provides many benefits, including reducing the risk of errors, non-compliance, and other issues that could lead to inaccurate results.

Ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 using a digital checklist

The checklist outlines the requirements for a laboratory to be certified as compliant with the ISO 17025 standard, covering areas such as management system, personnel, premises and environment, equipment, processes, and results. The checklist also provides a detailed list of criteria for each area, ensuring that all aspects of the laboratory are compliant with the requirements.

Additionally, the checklist allows laboratory professionals to check the accuracy of their results and processes before submitting them for certification. It also helps to identify any potential areas of improvement that can be addressed before the certification process begins.

You can easily download Lumiform’s ISO 17025 checklist PDF for free or perform your ISO inspections with this template on the Lumiform app in order to customize the checklist to your specific needs.

A step-by-step guide to using the ISO 17025 checklist

Here’s how you can maximize the checklist for your lab:

  1. Customize the checklist to fit your lab’s operations. Tailor the template to address your specific processes, equipment, and team. Edit sections directly in the app to ensure the checklist reflects the unique aspects of your laboratory, such as specialized testing methods or calibration procedures.
  2. Understand the requirements before diving in. Familiarize yourself with the key sections—general, structural, resource, process, and management system requirements. Pay attention to details that could affect compliance, like environmental controls or personnel qualifications.
  3. Assign responsibility and complete the checklist thoroughly. Approach each section as a single-user task. Go item by item, marking your compliance status as compliant, non-compliant, or not applicable. This clarity helps prioritize improvements while maintaining a structured audit flow.
  4. Document evidence for each response. For compliant items, attach proof like test results, certificates, or photos. For non-compliant items, document why they fell short and create a plan to address them. This step reinforces accuracy and aids in future audits.
  5. Analyze results and prepare action plans. Once completed, review the checklist to identify gaps and trends. Use the Lumiform app to generate a report and guide corrective actions, leading to consistent improvement over time.

Boost efficiency and accuracy with Lumiform’s tools

Make ISO 17025 compliance more straightforward using this detailed, professional checklist. It guides you through the standard’s requirements so you can conduct audits efficiently, with a clear structure. Each section is organized to keep you focused and effective, no matter your starting point.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Internal Assessment
4. General Requirements
4.1 Impatiality
4.1.1 Laboratory activities • shall be undertaken impartially and structured and safeguarded to guarantee the impartiality
4.1.2 Laboratory management • shall be assigned to impartiality
4.1.3 Laboratory responsibility • commercial, financial or other pressures must not compromise impartiality with regard to laboratory activities
4.1.4 Risk identification the lab has to undertake this on an on-going basis and contain those arising from: • its activities • its relationships • relationships of personnel
4.1.5 Risk mitigation • the laboratory shall explain how risk to impartiality is overcome or minimized
4.2 Confidentiality
4.2.1 Laboratory responsibility • through legally enforceable responsibilities, manage all information obtained or created during the appearance of laboratory activities • inform the customer in advance of the information it means to place in the public domain • maintain all client information as confidential, except for that information the customer makes public or that accepted to be made public
4.2.2 Announcement of customer information • must not occur unless - when required by law - authorized by contractual arrangements • customer to be notified of the information provided (unless prohibited by law)
4.2.3 Customer information from other sources • shall be confidential between the customer and laboratory • the origin of this information shall remain confidential to the laboratory
4.2.4 Confidentiality obligations of personnel • shall keep secret all information obtained or created during the performance of laboratory activities, except as needed by law
5. Structural Requirements
5.1 Legal status • the laboratory shall be a legal entity or a specified part of a legal entity, that is legally responsible for its laboratory activities
5.2 Laboratory management • identify management that has overall responsibility for the lab.
5.3 Scope of laboratory activities • the laboratory has to define and document the extent of activities which it claims conformity to the Standard • cannot involve laboratory activities which are provided externally on a continuing basis
5.4 Conduct of laboratory activities and premises • to be performed to meet the requirements of - the ISO 17025:2017 standard - customer requirements - regulatory authorities • activities involve those directed at - permanent facilities - sites away from permanent facilities - temporary or mobile facilities - customer premises
5.5 Structure, personnel and documentation a) define the laboratory’s place in any origin organisation, the connection between management, technical operations and support services b) specify the responsibilities, authorities and interrelationships of those who manage, perform or validate work affecting the results of laboratory activities c) document procedures to the extent necessary to assure consistent conduct of laboratory activities and the validity of results
5.6 Personnel authorities and resources a) prepared to implement, maintain and improve the management system b) able to identify deviations in the management system or laboratory activity methods c) able to initiate procedures to prevent or minimize deviations d) report to laboratory management the performance of the management system and needs for improvement e) guarantee the effectiveness of laboratory activities
5.7 Laboratory management responsibilities a) assure communication on the effectiveness of the management system and meeting customers’ and other demands b) ensure the integrity of the management system is maintained when changes are planned and implemented
6. Resource Requirements
6.1 General
6.1 Available resources • laboratory to have available staff, facilities, equipment, systems and support services necessary to manage and perform its laboratory activities
6.2 Personnel
6.2.1 Competence and impartiality • all personnel (internal or external) associated with the laboratory that could affect the laboratory activities to be skilled and act impartially in accordance with the management system
6.2.2 Documentation of competency requirements • to contain education, qualification, training, technical knowledge, talents and experience for each role which affect the laboratory activities
6.2.3 Competency • warrant staff is competent to perform laboratory activities for which they are responsible and to evaluate the significance of deviations
6.2.4 Duties, responsibilities and authorities • ensure these are communicated
6.2.5 Procedures and records a) for the resolution of the competency requirements b) for the assortment of personnel c) for training d) for supervision e) for authorisations f) for the monitoring of competence
6.2.6 Authorisations to do specific activities a) evolve, modify, verify and validate systems b) analyse results, including statements of conformity or opinions and interpretations c) report, review and authorise results
6.3 Facilities and Environmental Conditions
6.3.1 Propriety of departments and environmental conditions • proper and not adversely affect the validity of results
6.3.2 Document • the requirements for plants and environmental conditions to perform laboratory activities
6.3.3 Monitor, control and record • the environmental conditions in accordance with the relevant specifications, methods and procedures or when they influence the validity of results
6.3.4 Measures to control facilities • to be executed, monitored and periodically reviewed, including but not limited to a) access to and use of areas affecting laboratory activities b) inhibition of contamination, interference or adverse influences on laboratory activities c) effective separation between sections with incompatible laboratory activities
6.3.5 Sites outside the laboratory’s permanent control • guarantee plants and environmental conditions comply with requirements of the Standard
6.4 Equipment
6.4.1 Availability of material • the laboratory has access to equipment for correct performance of laboratory activities
6.4.2 Material outside the control of laboratory • the demands of the Standard are met
6.4.3 Procedure • is ready for handling, storage, use and planned keeping to assure proper functions and to prevent contamination or deterioration
6.4.4 Verification • guarantee equipment agrees to specified requirements before being distributed or returned into service
6.4.5 Accuracy and/or measurement uncertainty (MU) • to present a valid result, equipment must be capable of achieving the required measurement accuracy; and/or MU
6.4.6 Calibration • equipment shall be calibrated when • measurement precision or MU affects the validity of the results; and/or • the equipment is necessary to build metrological traceability of the results
6.4.7 Calibration program • shall be established and reviewed and adjusted as necessary in order to maintain confidence in the status of calibration
6.4.8 Labelling • all equipment which requires calibration or has a defined period of legality shall be labelled, coded or otherwise identified
6.4.9 Out-of-service • oppressed, mishandled or poorly functioning equipment shall be isolated and not reused until verified that it performs correctly • the effect of such defective equipment shall be reviewed and the management of non-conforming work initiated
6.4.10 Standard checks • shall be carried out when necessary to confirm the performance of the equipment • in accordance with a procedure
6.4.11 Correction factors • when calibration and reference material data include reference values or improvement factors, these are to be updated and implemented, as appropriate, to meet specified requirements
6.4.12 Unintended adjustments • practicable measures are taken to stop these from occurring and invalidating results
6.4.13 Records • shall be maintained for equipment which can influence laboratory activities, including: - identity number, including software/firmware version - manufacturer’s name, type and serial number or other identification - evidence of verification - location - calibration dates and results, results of improvements, acceptance criteria, due date of next calibration or interval - documentation of reference materials, results, acceptance criteria, relevant dates and the period of validity - preservation plan and preservation performed; - details of damage, malfunction, modifications or repair
6.5 Metrological Traceability
6.5.1 Establish metrological traceability • the laboratory shall place and maintain metrological traceability of its measurement results by means of a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each according to the measurement uncertainty, linking them to an appropriate reference
6.5.2 Measurement results traceable to SI units • to be set through a) calibration provided by a competent laboratory; or b) certified values of CRMs from a competent producer with stated traceability to SI units; or c) direct fulfilment of the SI units ensured by comparison with national or international standards
6.5.3 Traceability to SI not technically possible • where this transpires, metrological traceability to an appropriate reference shall be demonstrated, for example a) certified benefits of CRMs provided by a competent producer to non SI values b) results of reference measurement procedures, specified methods or consensus standards that are accepted as providing measurement results fit for their intended use and ensured by suitable comparison
6.6 EXTERNALLY PROVIDED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
6.6.1 Use of externally procured products and services • Only proper products and services are used when a) incorporated into the laboratory’s own actions b) provided directly to the customer by the laboratory as received from the external provider c) used to help the operation of the laboratory
6.6.2 Procedure and records for a) establishing, evaluating and validating the laboratory’s requirements for externally produced products and services b) defining criteria for evaluation, selection, monitoring of performance and re-evaluation of external providers c) ensuring that prior to laboratory use or supply to customers, the products and services conform to the laboratory’s requirements or where relevant to the Standard d) actions to take arising from evaluations, monitoring or re-evaluations of external providers
6.6.3 Communication of requirements to external providers • These include a) the products and services to be implemented b) the recognition criteria c) competence, including any required qualification of employees d) activities that the laboratory, or its customer, intends to perform at the external provider’s premises
7. Process Requirements
7.1 Review of Requests, Tenders, and Contracts
7.1.1 Procedure Shall assure that: a) conditions are defined, documented and known b) laboratory has the capability and supplies to meet the demands c) where external providers are used, the customer is notified and approves; d) appropriate methods or procedures are selected
7.1.2 Inappropriate method requested • customer is notified, including if the method is out-of-date
7.1.3 Statement of conformity requested • specification or standard and the decision rule are clearly explained • unless integrated into the specification or standard, the decision rule is agreed with the customer
7.1.4 Differences between requests and contract • are determined prior to laboratory activities commencing • contract to be adequate to both, the laboratory and customer • deviations requested do not impact on the laboratory’s integrity or the validity of results
7.1.5 Deviations from the contract • customer is informed
7.1.6 Amendments to contracts • contract review is repeated after work commences and alterations communicated to all affected personnel
7.1.7 Cooperation with customers • laboratory to clarify demands and to allow the customer to monitor its performance
7.1.8 Records of reviews • are retained, including changes to contracts and discussions had with the customer
7.2 Selection, Verification, and Validation of Methods
7.2.1 Selection and Verification of Methods
7.2.1.1 Methods and procedures • to be appropriate for all laboratory procedures, including if necessary, for evaluation of measurement uncertainty and statistical techniques for data analysis
7.2.1.2 Currency of methods and procedures • to be kept up-to-date and made accessible to employees
7.2.1.3 Method version • latest valid versions to be used except if it is not appropriate or possible • if necessary, supplemented with additional details for consistent application
7.2.1.4 Method selection • the laboratory has to select a proper method and inform the customer when the customer has not specified the method
7.2.1.5 Method verification • before presenting methods, the laboratory must verify that it can reach the required performance • records of verification must be kept • verification to be repeated when changes to the methods are made by the issuing body/ies
7.2.1.6 Method development • as proceeds, periodic review to occur to verify the needs of the customer are still satisfied • changes to the construction plan to be accepted and authorized
7.2.1.7 Deviations from methods • shall only happen if the deviation is technically justified, documented, authorized and accepted by the customer
7.2.2 Validation of Methods
7.2.2.1 Validation • non-standard methods, laboratory-developed methods and standard methods used outside their scope or modified shall be authorised.
7.2.2.2 Changes made to a validated method • the influence of such variations shall be restricted and if they change the original validation in any way, then the method must be revalidated
7.2.2.3 Method performance characteristics • satisfy the customers' needs and defined requirements
7.2.2.4 Validation records contain: a) the validation method used b) specification of the requirements c) performance characteristics of the method d) results achieved e) a statement on the validity of the method, detailing its fitness for the intended use
7.3 Sampling
7.3.1 Sampling plan and method • the method addresses factors to be controlled to ensure the validity of subsequent testing or calibration • plan and method available at a sampling site • sampling methods based on statistical methods whenever reasonable
7.3.2 Method • describes a) selection of examples or sites b) sampling plan c) preparation and treatment of samples from a substance, material or product
7.3.3 Records of sampling data • include a) a reference to the sampling method b) date and time of sampling c) data to identify and describe the sample d) identification of the employees e) identification of the equipment used f) environmental or transport conditions g) charts or other means to identify the sampling place when appropriate h) variations, additions or exclusions from the method or sampling plan
7.4 Handling of Test or Calibration Items
7.4.1 Procedure • guarantees the protection of the integrity of the object and the benefits of the laboratory and customer and covers - transportation - receipt - handling - safekeeping - storage - retention and/or disposal • precautions are taken to prevent deterioration, contamination, loss or damage • handling instructions provided with the item to be ensued
7.4.2 Identification • the system is available for the unambiguous identification of items, including, if necessary, the subdivision and transfer of items
7.4.3 Item deviations • upon receipt, deviations from specified conditions are recorded • if there is doubt about the suitability of an item, or it does not conform to the description provided, ensure that the customer is consulted and that the instructions are recorded • when a deviation is acknowledged and customer instructs to proceed with testing or calibration, the laboratory is to include a disclaimer in the report indicating that the results may be affected
7.4.4 Storage conditions • to be maintained, monitored and recorded
7.5 Technical Records
7.5.1 Records • for each laboratory activity include - results - report - parts affecting the results and its capacity uncertainty - date - name the staff conducting the laboratory activity and checking data and results • allow repetition of the laboratory activity • original observations, data and calculations to be recorded at the time they made and be identifiable with the specific task
7.5.2 Amendments • can be followed to original observations or previous version of records • original and amended data - to be retained - include the date - an indication of the altered aspects - the personnel responsible
7.6 Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty (MU)
7.6.1 Contributions of MU • shall be classified • significant contributions are taken into account when evaluating MU, including those from sampling
7.6.2 Calibration • MU for all calibrations presented shall be evaluated
7.6.3 Testing • where the test method precludes rigorous evaluation, an evaluation shall be made based on an understanding of the theoretical principles or practical experience of the performance of the method
7.7 Ensuring Validity of Results
7.7.1 Procedure • for monitoring validity of results is in place • data from monitoring activities are recorded in a manner which provides the detection of trends with statistical methods applied, where possible, for review of the results • monitoring is to be planned and reviewed and include, where appropriate a) use of reference materials or quality control materials b) use of alternative calibrated instrumentation providing traceable results c) functional checks of measuring and testing equipment; d) use of control or working standards with control charts e) common checks on measuring equipment f) replicate tests or calibrations g) retesting or recalibration of retained items h) correlation of results for different characteristics of an item i) review of recorded results j) intra-laboratory comparisons k) testing of blind sample(s)
7.7.2 Comparison of results with other laboratories • shall be used to control the laboratory’s administration • monitoring shall be planned and reviewed and involve participation in either or both a) proficiency testing b) inter-laboratory comparisons
7.7.3 Analysis of monitoring data • used to control and improve, where appropriate, laboratory activities • appropriate action is taken to prevent incorrect results from being described when monitoring data is found to be outside of pre-defined criteria
7.8 Reporting of Results
7.8.1 General
7.8.1.1 Analysis and authorization of results • shall occur prior to release
7.8.1.2 Reports • results are provided correctly, clearly, unambiguously and objectively • accommodate all the information agreed with the customer and important for the interpretation of the results • issued reports are clutched as technical records
7.8.1.3 Simplified reports • when matched with the customer • all information not reported to the customer and covered by 7.8.2 to 7.8.7 must be readily available
7.8.2 Common Requirements for Reports (Test, Calibration or Sampling)
7.8.2.1 Report content a) title b) name and address of the laboratory c) location where the laboratory activities were performed d) unique identification that all components are recognised as a portion of a complete report and a clear identification of the end e) name and contact information of the customer f) method used g) a description, unambiguous identification, and if necessary, the condition of the item h) date of receipt of the item or date of sampling of the item were critical to the validity and application of the results i) date(s) of the performance of the laboratory activity j) date of the issue of the report k) reference to the sampling plan and sampling method if relevant to the validity and application of the results l) statement to the effect that results only relate to the item tested, calibrated or sampled m) the results with the units of measurement, where appropriate n) additions, deviations or exclusions from the method o) identification of the person approving the report p) clear identification when the results are from external providers
7.8.2.2 Laboratory responsibility • for all information provided in the report except when provided by the customer - customer information to be clearly identified and a disclaimer included when information supplied can affect the validity of results • when customer is responsible for sampling, the report is to state that the results apply to the sample as received (also refer to 7.4.3)
7.8.3 Specific Requirements for Test Reports
7.8.3.1 Additional information • for the interpretation of the test results, in addition to 7.8.2, reports to include where required a) information on specific test situations, such as environmental conditions b) where relevant, a statement of conformity with requirements or specifications c) where applicable, the MU in the same units as the measurand or in a term relative to the measurand when - relevant to the validity or application of the results - customer’s instruction - MU affects conformity to a specification limit d) where appropriate, opinions and interpretations; e) additional information which may be required by specific methods, authorities, customers or groups of customers
7.8.3.2 Sampling • when the laboratory is responsible for sampling, test reports shall meet the requirements of 7.8.5 where necessary
7.8.4 Specific Requirements for Calibration Certificates
7.8.4.1 Additional information • in addition to 7.8.2, calibration certificates to include a) the MU of the measurement result presented in the same assembly as that of the measurand or in a term relative to the measurand b) the conditions under which the calibrations were made that have an influence on the measurement results c) a statement to indicate how the measurements are metrologically traceable d) results before and after any adjustments or repair e) where relevant, a statement of conformity with requirements or specifications f) where appropriate, opinions and interpretation
7.8.4.2 Sampling • when the laboratory is responsible for sampling, calibration certificates shall meet the requirements of 7.8.5 where necessary
7.8.4.3 Calibration certificates or labels • shall not include any recommendation on calibration intervals, unless agreed with the customer
7.8.5 Reporting Sampling - Specific Requirements
7.8.5 Additional information • when the laboratory is responsible for the sampling, in addition to 7.8.2, reports to include a) date of sampling b) individual identification of the item or material sampled c) location of sampling, including any diagrams, sketches or photographs d) reference to the sampling plan and sampling method e) details of any environmental conditions that affect the interpretation of the results f) information required to evaluate MU for subsequent testing or calibration
7.8.6 Reporting Statements of Conformity
7.8.6.1 Decision rule • to be documented and applied, taking into account the associated risk, when a statement of conformity is provided to a customer
7.8.6.2 Statement of conformity • includes a) which results the statement of conformity applies to b) which specifications, standards or parts thereof are met or not met c) the decision rule applied (unless it is inherent in the requested specification or standard)
7.8.7 Reporting Opinions and Interpretations
7.8.7.1 Authorized personnel • opinions and interpretations are only made by authorized personnel and the basis upon which they have been made shall be documented
7.8.7.2 Based on results • opinions and interpretations are based on the results obtained and clearly identified as such in reports
7.8.7.3 Direct conversations • when opinions and interpretations are verbally communicated to the client, a record/report is retained
7.8.8 Amendments to Reports
7.8.8.1 Amendments to reports • are clearly identified
7.8.8.2 Amendments to reports • where appropriate, the reason for the change is included in the report
7.8.8.3 Amendments to reports • a further report is announced and referenced as amended, is uniquely distinguished and makes reference to the original report it replaces
7.9 Complaints
7.9.1 Documented process • is available for collecting, evaluating and making decisions on complaints
7.9.2 Availability of documented process and responsibility • is available to any interested party • when a complaint is received, the laboratory is to confirm whether it relates to laboratory activities it is responsible for and action it • laboratory is responsible for all decisions relating to complaints handling
7.9.3 Content of complaints process a) a description of the process for receiving, validating, investigating and deciding what actions are to be taken in response to it b) tracking and recording complaints, including actions taken c) ensuring that any appropriate action is taken
7.9.4 Gathering and verifying information • the laboratory is responsible in order to verify the complaint
7.9.5 Acknowledging receipt • whenever possible, the laboratory does this and provides the complainant with progress reports and the outcome
7.9.6 Communication of outcomes • to be made by, or reviewed and approved by, an individual(s) not engaged in the original laboratory activities in question.
7.9.7 Formal notice of the end of a complaint • whenever possible, the laboratory to advise the complainant
7.10 Nonconforming Work
7.10.1 Procedure • is available and implemented when any aspect of the laboratories activities does not conform to its own procedures or the agreed requirements of the customer a) defines the duties and authorizations for the management of non-conforming work b) actions are based upon the risk levels established by the laboratory c) an evaluation is made of the significance of the non-conforming work, including an impact analysis on previous results d) a choice is taken on the acceptability of the non-conforming work e) where necessary, the client is notified and work is recalled f) defines the responsibility for authorizing the resumption of work
7.10.2 Records • are retained of non-conforming work and the actions are taken
7.10.3 Implementation of corrective action • shall be taken when the non-conforming work could recur, or there are uncertainties of the laboratory’s operations with its own management system
7.11 Control Of Data and Information Management
7.11.1 Access to data and information • data and information needed to perform laboratory activities is available
7.11.2 Laboratory information management system • the system for gathering, processing, recording, reporting, storing and retrieving data is validated, including interfacing with other laboratory systems before being used • changes to the system are approved, documented and verified before used
7.11.3 Protection, safeguard and maintenance • the information system a) is guarded against unauthorized access b) is safeguarded against tampering and loss c) is performed in an environment that complies with supplier or laboratory specifications or, for non-computerised systems, provides circumstances which safeguard the accuracy of manual recording and transcription d) is maintained in a manner which ensures the integrity of the data and information e) includes the reporting of system failures and the appropriate immediate and corrective actions
7.11.4 Off-site systems • laboratory ensures that the provider or operator complies with all applicable requirements of the Standard
7.11.5 Instructions, guidebooks and reference data • are readily available to personnel
7.11.6 Calculations and data transfers • are checked in a proper and systematic manner
8. Management System Requirements
8.1 Options
8.1.1 Management system • supports and shows the consistent achievement of the requirements of the Standard • assures the quality of the laboratory results • allows the demands of clauses 4 to 7 to be met • is in accordance with either Option A or Option B
8.1.2 OPTION A, As a minimum, the laboratory management system shall address the clauses 8.2 to 8.9 8.1.3 OPTION B, Laboratory that has established and maintains a management system, in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and that is capable of supporting and demonstrating the consistent fulfilment of the requirements of clauses 4 to 7, also fulfil at least the intention of the management system requirements specified in clauses 8.2 to 8.9
If Option B, the following documentation is required
1) proof the management system is certified by a certification body, or by another signatory to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Agreement (MLA). 2) evidence that the certification body's accreditation covers ISO/IEC 17021-3 i.e. the certification body can certify management systems to ISO 9001:2015. 3) copies of the most recent certification audit report(s) issued by the certification body covering the laboratory’s management system in full. 4) certification from the certification body of the closeout of any non-conformities raised during certification audits. 5) evidence the certification of the management system covers the laboratory activities reported by its scope of accreditation. 6) supports the facility fulfilling consistently the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to assure the quality of results.
8.2 Management System Documentation
8.2.1 Policies and objectives • are established, documented for the fulfilment of the Standard • are noticed and implemented at all levels of the laboratory
8.2.2 Competence, impartiality consistent operations • are addressed by the polices and objectives
8.2.3 Laboratory management • provides proof of commitment to the development of the management system • continually improves the management system’s effectiveness
8.2.4 Attributing to the management system • of all documentation, processes, systems and records
8.2.5 Access to parts of the management system • is available to employees
8.3 Control of Management System Documents
8.3.1 Control of documents • both internal and external documents relating to the fulfilment of the requirements of the Standard
8.3.2 Document control process a) documents are approved by authorized personnel prior to issue b) documents are periodically reviewed and updated as necessary c) changes and current revision status of documents are identified d) relevant versions of documents are available and their distribution controlled as necessary e) documents are uniquely identified f) unintended use of obsolete documents is prevented
8.4 Control of Records
8.4.1 Records retention • to demonstrate fulfillment of the requirements of the Standard
8.4.2 Controls • are implemented for - identification - storage - protection - back-up - archive - retrieval - retention times - disposal • are established for - retention periods to satisfy contractual obligations - confidentiality commitments - access and availability
8.5 Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities
8.5.1 Risks and opportunities are considered a) to assure the management system achieves its intended goals b) to achieve the laboratory objectives c) to prevent (or minimize) undesired impacts and potential failures d) to achieve improvement
8.5.2 Plan a) actions to address risks and opportunities b) how to - implement actions into the management system - evaluate the effectiveness of actions
8.5.3 Actions to address risks and opportunities • are proportional to the potential impact on the validity of the laboratory results
8.7 Corrective Actions
8.7.1 Nonconformities • when occur, the laboratory shall a) react and, as applicable, take action, correct the issue and address the consequences b) evaluate the need for action to eliminate the cause so that it does not recur c) implement any action necessary d) review the effectiveness of any corrective action e) update any risk and opportunities f) makes any necessary changes to the management system
8.7.2 Corrective action taken • is appropriate to the effects of the nonconformity
8.7.3 Records retained a) of the nature of the nonconformity, cause(s) and any action(s) taken b) of the outcomes of corrective action
8.8 Internal Audits
8.8.1 Conducted at planned intervals • to establish whether the management system a) conforms to - the laboratory’s requirements, including laboratory activities - the requirements of the Standard b) is effectively implemented and maintained
8.8.2 Audit requirements a) is planned and implemented, including frequency, defined responsibilities and reporting, taking into account - the importance of the laboratory activities concerned - changes affecting the laboratory - the results of previous audits b) audit criteria and the scope of each audit are defined c) audit results are reported to relevant management d) corrective actions, where necessary, are implemented promptly e) records of the audit program, including outcomes, are retained
8.9 Management Reviews
8.9.1 Review of the management system • is conducted at planned intervals by laboratory management to assure - continued suitability, adequacy and effectiveness - includes the stated policies and objectives related to the fulfilment of the Standard
8.9.2 Records of inputs • including information related to a) changes in internal and external issues b) fulfilment of objectives c) suitability of policies and procedures d) status of actions from previous reviews e) outcomes of recent internal audits f) corrective actions g) assessment by external bodies h) changes in volume, type and variety of laboratory activities i) customer and personnel feedback j) complaints k) effectiveness of any implemented improvements l) adequacy of resources m) results of risk identification n) outcomes of the assurance of the validity of results o) any other relevant factors
8.9.3 Records of outputs • include all choices and actions relating to a) effectiveness of the management system b) improvement of the laboratory activities relating to satisfying the requirements of the Standard c) provision of required resources d) any need for change(s)
Completion
Any comments/cecommendations:
Conducted by: *Name and Signature*
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Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between ISO 17025 and other ISO standards like ISO 9001?

ISO 17025 focuses specifically on the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, addressing technical requirements like equipment calibration and test result validity. In contrast, ISO 9001 is broader, covering quality management systems for organizations across industries.

What are common mistakes labs make when seeking ISO 17025 accreditation

One common mistake is overlooking the need for proper documentation, such as incomplete or inconsistent records of procedures and results. Another is neglecting to validate testing methods, which is critical for proving technical competence. Labs may also fail to involve staff adequately in the process.

How do I prepare my lab for an external ISO 17025 audit?

You can first conduct an internal audit to identify and resolve any gaps in compliance. Review all documentation to ensure it’s accurate. Train staff on what to expect during the audit, as auditors may ask questions. Address past non-conformance issues, and organize records for easy access.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.