How to Review Laboratory Credentials
Certification, accreditation and product testing describe different forms of evidence. Each should be reviewed according to its issuer, scope, validity and relationship to the specific work being discussed.
Certification and Accreditation
Certification generally confirms that a defined system or activity has been assessed against specified requirements.
Accreditation commonly addresses the competence of an organization for a stated scope. Neither term should be used without identifying the relevant standard, issuer and scope.
Scope Matters
A credential may apply only to specific locations, methods or activities. It should not be extended to unrelated products or services.
The scope document and issuing body provide more useful context than a logo displayed without supporting information.
Independent Verification
Where possible, credential details should be checked through the issuing or accrediting organization’s official records.
Useful verification information includes the registered organization, credential number, covered location, scope and validity period.
Credentials and Product Documents
A laboratory credential is not the same as a lot-specific analytical report or certificate of analysis.
Product documentation should be reviewed for its own identity, lot reference, methods, results and traceability. No credential or certificate should be assumed when supporting evidence has not been published.