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As one of the most recognized standards for laboratory testing and calibration, ISO/IEC 17025 has become essential for organizations seeking to demonstrate their technical competence and ensure reliable results. At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we frequently receive questions about this accreditation and its importance. Today, we’re diving into the Five Whys of ISO/IEC 17025 to help you better understand its significance and how PJLA can assist in your journey.

1. Why Was ISO/IEC 17025 Created?
ISO/IEC 17025 was established to provide a globally recognized framework for laboratories to prove their competence in testing and calibration activities. As industries rely heavily on accurate measurements and testing, this standard ensures that laboratories deliver results that are not only precise but also consistent and reliable, regardless of location. By adhering to ISO/IEC 17025, laboratories can build trust with clients and stakeholders while supporting global trade and regulatory compliance.

2. What Is ISO/IEC 17025?
ISO/IEC 17025 is an international standard that outlines the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. It encompasses both management and technical requirements, addressing everything from the quality of the equipment used to the qualifications of personnel performing tests and calibrations. Laboratories accredited to this standard demonstrate their ability to produce valid results and operate effectively.

3. Where Can Organizations Achieve This Accreditation?
Organizations can achieve ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation through recognized accreditation bodies like PJLA. As a trusted provider, PJLA offers accreditation services across various industries, including environmental testing, food and beverage analysis, medical device calibration, and more. With our expertise and customer-focused approach, we guide laboratories through the accreditation process, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

4. When Was ISO/IEC 17025 Established?
The first version of ISO/IEC 17025 was published in 1999 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It was later revised in 2005 and most recently in 2017 to reflect advancements in technology and changes in laboratory practices. These updates ensure the standard remains relevant to today’s testing and calibration environments.

5. Why Should Organizations Consider Getting This Accreditation?
Obtaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation offers numerous benefits to organizations:

• Enhanced Credibility: Accredited laboratories gain recognition as technically competent and trustworthy.
• Global Recognition: ISO/IEC 17025 is recognized internationally, facilitating easier market access and global partnerships.
• Improved Processes: Implementing the standard encourages better management practices, leading to improved efficiency and accuracy.
• Customer Confidence: Clients can trust the validity and reliability of your test and calibration results.
• Regulatory Compliance: Accreditation helps laboratories meet industry and regulatory requirements, avoiding potential penalties or setbacks.

By achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, laboratories not only meet industry expectations but also position themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

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Learn More with PJLA

At PJLA, we are dedicated to supporting laboratories on their journey toward ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. We offer free resources and downloads to help you better understand the accreditation process and its requirements. Visit our website to access these materials: Free Downloads.

If you’re ready to start your accreditation process, want to transfer your existing accreditation, or have questions about how PJLA can assist your organization, contact us today: Apply for Accreditation. Together, we can ensure that your laboratory meets the highest global standards of quality and reliability.

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PJLA is here to be your partner in achieving excellence. Let us help you set the standard for quality in testing and calibration.

PJLA will soon host a webinar revealing the Common Findings from 2024 Assessments and offering actionable guidance to help laboratories tackle these challenges. Keep an eye out for the webinar announcement and mark your calendars – you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your laboratory practices.

In the meantime, take this moment to assess your own processes. Are you prioritizing internal audits and document control? Are your methods properly validated? Reflecting on these questions now can prepare your laboratory for success in 2025 and beyond.

Looking back, here were the Top Ten Common Findings observed in 2023:

1. 7.2 Selection, Verification, and Validation of Methods
2. 6.4 Equipment
3. 7.8 Reporting of Results
4. PL-1 Proficiency Testing
5. SOP-3 & The Use of Accreditation Symbols and References to Accreditation
6. 8.3 Control of Management System Documents
7. 7.6 Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty
8. 6.5 Metrological Traceability
9. PL-3 Uncertainty
10. 8.8 Internal Audits

As we move into 2025, we encourage laboratories to reflect on their own assessment findings from this year. What patterns are emerging in your nonconformities? How do they compare to the common findings we observed in 2023? Identifying these trends early can help you address systemic issues and ensure your lab remains compliant and efficient.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call (248) 519-2603.

This past week, Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) welcomed program managers from across the country to our headquarters in Troy, Michigan, for our Annual Sales Training event. It was a time to reflect on 2024’s milestones, gain insights into exciting program updates, and strengthen connections as a team.

Throughout the week, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our program managers over the past year. Their dedication to advancing PJLA’s mission of delivering world-class accreditation services has not only fueled our growth but also reinforced our reputation for excellence. From expanding our reach to new industries to consistently exceeding client expectations, our program managers truly shone in 2024.

Tracy Szerszen, President, provided an in-depth look at some exciting program updates that are on the horizon for 2025. These included details about the latest addition to PJLA’s list of standards —ISO/IEC 17065. The sales team is now equipped with the tools and knowledge to introduce this offering to clients, showcasing our commitment to staying at the forefront of the accreditation field.

Beyond the training sessions, the week was an opportunity for program managers to catch up, network, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes PJLA such a special place to work. From brainstorming new strategies to sharing stories from the field, the event fostered a sense of collaboration as we gear up for another impactful year.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, express gratitude, and share the joys of a bountiful feast. At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we take pride in knowing that laboratories accredited through our rigorous processes play a crucial role in ensuring that the Thanksgiving table is filled with safe, high-quality, and sustainable foods. From the farm soil to the feast on your plate, PJLA-accredited laboratories uphold safety and integrity every step of the way.

Every Thanksgiving dish begins at the source – the soil. Accredited laboratories play a vital role in testing soil health, ensuring that it is free from harmful contaminants and rich in the nutrients necessary to grow robust crops. By analyzing soil composition and detecting toxins like heavy metals or pesticides, laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 help farmers adopt sustainable and safe agricultural practices, fostering better yields and environmental stewardship.

From harvesting to processing, accredited laboratories help maintain food safety at every checkpoint. They conduct microbial testing to detect pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, ensuring that your Thanksgiving turkey, green beans, and pumpkin pie ingredients are safe for consumption. These laboratories also verify allergen labeling, helping families avoid potentially dangerous reactions during their celebrations.

This Thanksgiving, as you enjoy your favorite dishes with loved ones, remember the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every bite is as safe as it is satisfying. From farm to feast, accredited laboratories are here to protect the traditions that bring us together.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at PJLA!

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Want to learn more about PJLA and how our accreditation programs support food safety and sustainability? Contact us today to discover how accreditation can make a difference.

“Don’t let hidden issues sneak up on you – regular assessments will bring everything to light.”

In the world of accreditation, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations, believing that once accreditation is achieved, the hardest part is over. But at Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we know that accreditation is an ongoing journey, not a one-time achievement. This is where the importance of regular assessments comes into play.

Imagine running a laboratory with seemingly flawless operations until an unnoticed inconsistency disrupts results or leads to noncompliance. Regularly scheduled assessments act as an essential “early warning system,” identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. By catching these discrepancies early, your lab stays ahead of potential setbacks that could harm your reputation or bottom line.

Quality isn’t static – it evolves with industry standards, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Regular assessments help your organization align with these shifts, ensuring that processes remain robust and compliant. These check-ins reinforce that your commitment to excellence isn’t just a declaration but a continuous practice.

At PJLA, we believe in being more than just an accreditation body – we’re a partner in your path to consistent excellence. Our assessments are designed not only to confirm compliance but to provide actionable insights for continuous improvement. With our team’s support, your laboratory gains a roadmap to navigate the complexities of regulatory standards and maintain a competitive edge.

Regular assessments aren’t just a box to check; they are an opportunity to strengthen operations, reinforce best practices, and bolster trust within the industry. Embrace these evaluations as a critical component of your lab’s success strategy. Don’t let hidden issues sneak up on you – partner with PJLA for ongoing assessments that illuminate the path to enduring quality.

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At PJLA, we’re committed to supporting laboratories through each phase of the accreditation process. Whether you’re due for a scheduled assessment or planning ahead, reach out to learn how we can help keep your compliance strong and your operations seamless.

Don’t let unexpected test results haunt your lab – ensure your performance is top-notch with PJLA accreditation.

Halloween may be a time for tricks and treats, but there’s one thing no laboratory wants: spooky surprises creeping into their results. Imagine delivering data to a client only to discover that inaccuracies are lurking behind every decimal point – now that’s a nightmare! Luckily, with proficiency testing (PT) aligned with ISO/IEC 17043, labs can avoid these hair-raising mishaps and ensure their processes are accurate, consistent, and reliable.

At PJLA, we believe that quality results shouldn’t rely on luck or magic potions. Proficiency testing ensures that labs aren’t flying blind in a fog of uncertainty, but rather, they’re operating with precision – confident that every result is scientifically sound. Let’s dive into how PT works its magic and saves the day for accredited laboratories.

ISO/IEC 17043 is the standard that governs proficiency testing providers, ensuring that the PT programs themselves meet the highest quality standards. PT involves sending identical test samples to multiple labs to evaluate whether their results align. Think of it as a way to confirm that your methods are working – and no unwanted surprises are brewing beneath the surface.

By participating in proficiency testing, laboratories can uncover errors before they manifest in real-world testing environments, such as:

• Instrumental calibration issues
• Deviations in testing procedures
• Staff training gaps
• Analytical drift

Without regular PT, even the most experienced laboratories risk overlooking invisible problems that can snowball into larger issues. Here’s how proficiency testing keeps spooky surprises at bay:

Early Detection: Proficiency testing highlights errors before they haunt your lab’s operations. With each PT cycle, your lab can spot small inconsistencies—long before they cause major disruption.

Enhanced Confidence: Accredited laboratories show their clients they’ve been rigorously tested, just like the standards they follow. This builds trust and assures clients that their data is accurate and dependable.

Continuous Improvement: PT helps identify areas for improvement, allowing labs to fine-tune their operations. Regular participation creates a feedback loop, helping laboratories grow stronger with every test.

Proficiency testing isn’t just about passing or failing – it’s about mastering your craft and maintaining consistency. PJLA accreditation ensures that laboratories and PT providers are meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043, giving labs the tools they need to remain at the top of their game. When accreditation is involved, there’s no need to fear ghostly errors or haunted reports – PJLA shines a light on quality and reliability.

Halloween may be a time for spooky fun, but when it comes to laboratory testing, there’s no room for tricks. Unexpected errors can cost time, money, and credibility – but with proficiency testing, laboratories can keep their results reliable and avoid the kind of surprises that no one wants to see in a report.

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Want more information on PT? Join PJLA on Tuesday, November 12th for a complimentary webinar designed to help laboratories navigate the complex landscape of Proficiency Testing (PT) resources.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – 1:00pm ET
Identify and Explore PT Resources – Click Here To Register!

Ensuring compliance with accreditation standards requires careful planning and the selection of reliable PT providers. This session will equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding proficiency testing.

Dive into the importance of traceability in lab equipment calibration, emphasizing how PJLA accreditation helps avoid scary mismeasurements.

It’s spooky season, and while the streets may be filled with costumes and candy, the last thing any laboratory wants is a chilling mismeasurement lurking in their data! At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we understand that accuracy isn’t just a trick of the trade – it’s essential for safety, compliance, and performance. Calibration is the cornerstone of reliable testing, and when done right, it brings more treats (trusted results) and fewer tricks (measurement errors). In this blog, we’ll dive into the importance of calibration traceability and how PJLA accreditation helps keep scary surprises out of your lab.

What is Calibration, and Why Does Traceability Matter?

Calibration is the process of comparing an instrument’s measurements with a standard of known accuracy. This ensures that your equipment provides correct readings. But calibration is only as good as its traceability – the ability to trace the measurement back through an unbroken chain to an internationally recognized standard, such as those maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Without proper traceability, your calibration becomes a gamble, introducing uncertainties that could lead to faulty results, regulatory noncompliance, and even product recalls. Think of it like eating unwrapped candy on Halloween – are you sure you want to take that risk?

The Scary Consequences of Poor Calibration

An uncalibrated instrument or one calibrated without traceability might seem accurate at first, but lurking beneath the surface could be errors that impact your data. Imagine the following frightening scenarios:

• Medical testing labs delivering incorrect bloodwork results.
• Environmental labs reporting inaccurate pollutant levels in drinking water.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers distributing improperly dosed medications.

These kinds of errors aren’t just costly – they can be dangerous. For testing laboratories, calibration with traceability isn’t just a best practice; it’s a necessity to ensure public safety and trust.

PJLA Accreditation: Your Safety Net Against Spooky Measurements

At PJLA, we accredit laboratories to ISO/IEC 17025, the internationally recognized standard for testing and calibration laboratories. Our accreditation process ensures that your lab has the proper systems and competencies in place to carry out accurate, traceable calibrations. With PJLA accreditation, your clients and regulators can rest easy knowing your equipment and measurements meet the highest standards.

We provide accreditation services across a range of industries – from healthcare to automotive testing – ensuring that your lab’s measurements aren’t just accurate, but traceable to the highest level of confidence. And like any good Halloween costume, your calibration certificates should leave no room for doubt – they must clearly reflect that your measurements can be trusted.

Tricks to Avoid When It Comes to Calibration

Not every calibration process is created equal. Here are a few common “tricks” labs should avoid:

1. Skipping regular calibration intervals – Calibration isn’t a one-and-done deal. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations and re-calibrate on schedule.
2. Using uncertified providers – Always verify that your calibration provider is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
3. Assuming “close enough” is good enough – Inaccurate measurements compound quickly. Even a minor error can escalate, especially in industries with strict tolerances.

Traceability: The Treat That Keeps on Giving

When you invest in calibration with traceability, you build trust – not only within your organization but also with customers, regulators, and auditors. PJLA accreditation ensures that your calibration methods meet rigorous standards and that your data can be relied on across the entire supply chain.

This Halloween don’t let calibration errors haunt your lab! By ensuring traceability, you protect your reputation, deliver reliable results, and avoid the scary consequences of mismeasurement. With PJLA by your side, you can be confident that your lab has all the right tricks – and plenty of treats – in its calibration toolkit.

Let’s Make This Halloween Scary-Good for Your Lab!

Whether you need initial accreditation or want to maintain your ISO/IEC 17025 status, PJLA is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your lab stay accurate, traceable, and compliant all year round. Because when it comes to calibration, precision is no trick – it’s a treat you can rely on.

Happy Halloween from all of us at PJLA!

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) is excited to announce our participation in the upcoming Wisconsin Lab Association Fall Conference 2024! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 29, and Wednesday, October 30, as we head to La Crosse, Wisconsin, for two days of learning, networking, and discussion on the future of laboratory accreditation.

Representing PJLA at this event is our Regional Sales Manager, Sean Donnellan. Sean will be on hand to discuss all things ISO/IEC 17025, diving deep into how PJLA’s accreditation services can elevate your lab’s performance, ensure compliance, and give your organization a competitive edge.

This year’s Fall Conference promises a robust agenda, covering a range of critical topics for laboratory professionals. Some of the highlights include:

• ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation and Accreditation Panel
• ESG/Sustainability in Food Safety
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)/Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Disability Accommodations/Inclusivity in the Lab
• Meat Food Safety and Organisms of Concern

The Wisconsin Lab Association Fall Conference is a must-attend event for laboratory professionals seeking to stay ahead in today’s fast-evolving scientific landscape. Whether you’re focused on accreditation, sustainability, or food safety, this conference provides valuable insights and practical tools you can take back to your lab.

PJLA is proud to support laboratories across the nation as they strive for excellence in their testing processes. We look forward to connecting with you at this year’s conference and showing how PJLA can help your lab achieve its quality and accreditation goals.

Don’t miss the opportunity to speak with Sean Donnellan and explore the benefits of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for your lab. We can’t wait to see you in La Crosse!

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Lab Association Fall Conference 2024 and check out the agenda for a full list of sessions and events.

At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we believe that quality is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to maintaining high standards in accreditation is supported by dedicated assessors like Mark Rudek, who plays a pivotal role in ensuring that laboratories meet the stringent requirements. In this blog, we take a closer look at what it’s like to be a PJLA assessor, as Mark shares his insights, experiences, and advice for laboratories aiming to achieve or maintain accreditation.

Providing Value Through Quality Assessments

When asked about his role, Mark emphasizes that being an assessor is more than just conducting assessments – it’s about adding value to the client’s processes.

“My role is to provide value-added assessments to clientele on behalf of PJLA, ensuring they meet the minimum requirements of accreditation standards and the policies of the accreditation body,” Mark explains. “It’s about quality, understanding the subject matter, and finding a balance that benefits all parties involved.”

Assessors like Mark help laboratories not only meet compliance but also identify areas for improvement, which ultimately strengthens their quality management systems (QMS) and long-term profitability.

Becoming an Assessor: Experience, Patience, and Passion

Becoming an assessor requires a blend of technical knowledge and experience in the field of calibration and testing. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific scope of work and developing alliances with other professionals who can provide accurate, objective information in areas that may be outside one’s expertise.

“Patience, common sense, technical knowledge, objectivity, and passion are the key characteristics of a fair and effective assessor,” Mark notes. “No company is perfect, but when nonconformities (NCRs) are identified, they present an opportunity to close weaknesses in the QMS, which sustains future improvement.”

The Preparation Process: No Surprises

Preparation is key to a successful assessment. Mark starts by ensuring all PJLA documentation is in place and creating a folder for each client with the necessary forms and data.

“I reach out to the laboratory to introduce myself and send them a list of items they need to upload to SharePoint,” Mark explains. “Once the documents are uploaded, I review them in advance. This level of preparation allows me to arrive on-site fully prepared, avoiding surprises and ensuring the assessment process runs smoothly.”

Challenges and Rewards: The Journey of an Assessor

Mark has conducted over 6,000 audits & assessments since 1982 and has encountered both challenging and rewarding experiences along the way. While travel is often demanding – whether it’s rushing between gates at airports or dealing with unpredictable weather – there are moments that make it all worthwhile.

“The most rewarding experiences are when you meet clients who genuinely believe in what they’re doing and fully understand the requirements,” Mark shares. “There’s so much to learn from people and industries. Even after all these years, I’m still learning.”

Tools of the Trade: Listening and Observing

When asked about the tools and resources he relies on during assessments, Mark’s response is simple: ears and eyes. Listening and observing are critical to conducting thorough assessments.

“My beautiful wife always reminds me that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” Mark says with a smile. “I also follow my instincts – when I’m satisfied with one assessment trail, I move on to another.”

The People Behind the Accreditation

For Mark, one of the most enjoyable aspects of being an assessor is working with people – whether it’s PJLA staff, the clients, or other professionals in the field.

“I’ve been with PJLA since it first started offering laboratory accreditations about 30 years ago,” Mark reflects. “We are like a family, and that sense of trust and support is something I value deeply.”

Mark has played a significant role in mentoring new managers and helping PJLA achieve recognition for calibration and testing accreditations. His long-standing relationship with PJLA is a testament to his dedication and passion for quality.

Advice for Laboratories: Value the Process

For laboratories aiming to achieve or maintain accreditation, Mark’s advice is clear: Read the standards carefully, believe in the process, and approach accreditation as an opportunity to add value.

“If it’s difficult, take it on – never quit. The process of accreditation is not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring that the calibrations and tests conducted by the laboratory meet industry expectations and produce results that can be relied upon.”

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At PJLA, we are proud to work with experienced assessors like Mark Rudek, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every assessment. Their dedication ensures that accredited laboratories continue to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, benefiting industries across the globe.

Interested in joining PJLA’s team of assessors? Click Here to apply now.

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In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, trust is everything. Whether you’re a business owner, manufacturer, or healthcare provider, the reliability and accuracy of testing results are crucial to your success. That’s where third-party accreditation plays an essential role, particularly for laboratories that serve as the backbone of quality control, compliance, and safety.

At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we understand that when you rely on a laboratory’s data, you’re making decisions that could impact product quality, regulatory compliance, and even public safety. But how can you ensure that the results you’re receiving are both accurate and dependable? The answer is clear: third-party accreditation.

What is Third-Party Accreditation?

Third-party accreditation is an independent assessment process in which a laboratory’s competence, quality, and capability are evaluated against recognized international standards. As a private, third-party accreditation body, PJLA uses both international (ISO/IEC) and national standards to validate laboratories in various sectors—from testing and calibration to sampling and inspection. Our process ensures that labs meet stringent quality management criteria, which provides peace of mind for both laboratories and their customers.

But why does third-party accreditation matter to you, the customer? Let’s break down the key reasons:

1. Ensures Confidence in Test Results

When you choose an accredited laboratory, you’re not just picking a lab; you’re selecting one that has been rigorously evaluated for its technical competency. At PJLA, we ensure that accredited labs demonstrate they can consistently produce accurate, reliable, and traceable results. This means you can trust the data they provide, allowing you to make informed decisions—whether that’s about product safety, compliance with regulations, or the integrity of research findings.

2. Global Recognition and Compliance

In a world of international trade and ever-evolving regulatory landscapes, achieving accreditation isn’t just beneficial—it’s often essential. Organizations accredited by PJLA operate under recognized international standards like ISO/IEC 17025 (for testing and calibration laboratories) and ISO/IEC 17043 (for proficiency testing providers). This global recognition assures you that they adhere to the highest standards, and their results will be accepted across borders, helping you meet both domestic and international regulatory requirements.

3. Demonstrates Impartiality and Objectivity

When a laboratory is accredited by a third-party organization, you can trust that the accreditation was granted based on objective, impartial assessments. Since we are not affiliated with the laboratories we accredit, our sole interest is in ensuring their competence and adherence to rigorous standards. This level of impartiality enhances trust, knowing that the lab is held to unbiased, verifiable standards.

For customers, this transparency and objectivity mean that results are not influenced by external pressures, ensuring the data is credible and reliable.

4. Reduces Risk and Liability

Relying on non-accredited labs can open up a world of uncertainty. Inaccurate results can lead to costly mistakes, regulatory non-compliance, and even safety risks. By choosing an accredited lab, you’re significantly reducing the risk of errors, non-conformance, and subsequent legal or financial ramifications. Accreditation minimizes these risks by ensuring that the laboratory’s processes are fully documented, verified, and continuously improved.

5. Reinforces Your Commitment to Quality

Partnering with an accredited lab not only enhances trust in the results but also reflects well on your own organization. When you prioritize quality and reliability by choosing an accredited laboratory, you demonstrate a commitment to excellence that resonates with stakeholders, customers, and regulators alike. It shows that you are taking every step to ensure your products, processes, or services are backed by validated data and meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Ready to Build Trust? Choose a PJLA-Accredited Lab

When accuracy, reliability, and trust matter most, choosing an accredited laboratory isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Trust PJLA to be your partner in ensuring that the laboratories you work with meet the highest standards of competency, so you can focus on what you do best with confidence. To find an accredited laboratory, visit https://www.pjlabs.com/search-accredited-organizations today.