Laboratory Accreditation
Laboratory accreditation is the best mechanism to provide assurance to customers on the quality and competence of the laboratory. International trade relies on certificates and reports issued by accredited laboratories. Confidence in accreditation is obtained by a transparent system of control over the accredited laboratories and an assurance given by the accreditation body that the accredited laboratory constantly fulfills the accredited criteria. This assurance can be achieved through a mechanism of regular surveillance and reassessment visits enhanced, where appropriate, by other surveillance activities and regular participation in proficiency testing". This quote is from page 6 of an 1996 International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) document entitled Harmonised Procedures for Surveillance & Reassessment of Accredited Laboratories (ILAC G10:1996).