This week, we are excited to provide a behind-the-scenes look into the daily life of a PJLA assessor. Have you ever wondered what it takes to ensure laboratories meet the highest standards of quality and competence? To shed light on this crucial role, we sat down with Rae Cote, one of our dedicated PJLA assessors, to discuss the unique challenges and rewarding experiences she encounters during assessments.
Rae’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous and dynamic world of laboratory accreditation. Let’s dive in!
1. Can you provide a brief overview of what your role entails?
Primarily, being organized. In general, my role is to coordinate with the labs and PJLA to ensure the customers are getting what they need: a reassessment, an initial assessment, or whatever it may be. Scheduling on-site with travel or an offsite review or remote assessments all have a different agendas. Travel is a big part of my job. The actual assessment is interesting as you don’t know what you’re walking into. Some labs I’ve been to before, but others I may not know the facility, people, or even the area. And certainly, working with different people every assessment can be fun, but also challenging. I must be flexible. We are assessing labs during their regular business hours so as in any business, anything can happen at any time… and usually when an assessor is on site, it does!
2. What qualifications and experience are typically required to become an assessor?
At a minimum, a BS degree in the area you are assessing and experience is critical when assessing. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Organic Chemistry and several courses in Microbiology allowing me to assess in many testing areas for ISO/IEC 17025:2017. I also worked and went to graduate school in Pathology which qualifies me to work with ISO 15189. Having an excellent understanding of the standard and quality systems, as well as lab experience and expertise, makes for a great assessor.
3. What are some of the key responsibilities you have during an assessment?
To be professional and open to what the lab is doing and saying. To be a detective and observe what I am seeing and not seeing. To hear what I’m being told and not being told. I must complete all required paperwork and return it to PJLA promptly. Also, to refrain from providing any consultancy during an assessment. It’s also my responsibility to ensure we adhere to the schedule in the time we are given for the assessment.
4. How do you prepare for an assessment before visiting a laboratory?
So many things, starting with reviewing the lab documentation, the website, and logistics of the lab. I prepare all my paperwork to the extent that I can. I plan my travel and try to stay as close to the facility as I can.
5. Can you share any interesting or challenging experiences you’ve encountered during assessments?
I’ve had a few challenging assessments. I can quickly tell when a lab is hiding something, or outright lying about things. It happens, but most of the labs I assess are fantastic and want to improve so they are glad I’m there.
6. What tools or resources do you utilize during the assessment process?
My main resource is the standard to which I’m assessing to (i.e. ISO/IEC 17025 or 15189). I keep the PJLA website open to look for certificates when needed for a lab using a company for calibrations or lab comparisons. I look at the certificate before I ask the lab anything. I try not to ever ask a question that I don’t already know the answer to.
7. What do you enjoy most about being as assessor?
I love being at a different lab location every week and meeting different people. If we hit it off, it’s nice to know I might see them again next year. And if not, I continue with my task and keep it professional. I don’t like doing the same thing every day, so being an assessor puts me in many locations and many types of labs with many different people. I also assess to two standards, which definitely keeps each week a little different.
8. What advice would you give to laboratories aiming to achieve or maintain accreditation?
Listen to your assessor and accreditation body – you are paying us! Get a pre-assessment. I find that most labs that utilize a pre-assessment are far more ready than those who do not. And always look to improve. A lab doesn’t get better by doing things the way they always did them. Use your risk assessment, improve, and grow. Assessors notice these things.
Would you like to join PJLA’s team of professionals who are dedicated to providing the best accreditation experience possible? Click Here to apply today.
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