What is the difference between NABL and ISO 17025?
The laboratory service management system needs the support of ISO 17025, which is globally acknowledged. NABL is the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. It is an accreditation body that accredits laboratories based on the clauses of ISO 17025. People often ask, “What is the difference between NABL and ISO 17025?” The following blog focuses on these two things. It has discussed the key aspects of each to highlight the major differences.
What is the difference between NABL and ISO 17025
What are the fundamental aspects of NABL?
1.Accreditation of Laboratories – NABL accredits various types of laboratories, including: Testing Laboratories (as per ISO/IEC 17025), Calibration Laboratories (as per ISO/IEC 17025), Medical Laboratories (as per ISO 15189), Proficiency Testing Providers (PTP) (as per ISO/IEC 17043) and Reference Material Producers (RMP) (as per ISO 17034).
2.Conducting Assessments and Audits – NABL performs on-site and remote assessments of laboratories to verify compliance with the applicable standards. It appoints technical and lead assessors to evaluate lab competence, quality management systems, and equipment calibration.
3.Issuing Accreditation Certificates – After a successful assessment, NABL grants accreditation certificates to compliant laboratories. These certificates improve the credibility of the laboratories in national and international markets.
4.Surveillance and Renewal of Accreditation – NABL conducts periodic surveillance assessments to ensure accredited labs maintain quality standards. Laboratories must apply for renewal at the end of their accreditation cycle (typically 2 years).
5.Promoting International Recognition – NABL is a signatory to Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) under ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and APAC (Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation). This ensures that NABL-accredited labs are internationally recognized and their test/calibration results are accepted globally.
6.Training and Capacity Building – NABL organizes training programs, workshops, and seminars for laboratory personnel, assessors, and industry professionals. These programs cover quality management systems, technical assessments, and accreditation processes.
7.Handling Complaints and Appeals – NABL has a structured process for handling complaints related to accredited laboratories. It also allows laboratories to appeal accreditation decisions.
8.Extending Accreditation Scope – NABL regularly updates its accreditation criteria to include new fields of testing and calibration, such as forensic labs, food safety, environmental testing, and medical diagnostics.
9.Supporting Government and Regulatory Bodies – NABL works with government agencies, such as BIS, FSSAI, MoEFCC, and MoHFW, to ensure laboratory accreditation aligns with regulatory requirements. It helps ensure that test results from accredited labs are legally valid and trusted by regulatory authorities.
What are the key aspects of ISO 17025 certification?
A. Management System Requirements (Similar to ISO 9001) – These requirements focus on the quality management system (QMS) of the laboratory. Under the management clauses, the first should be the documented process for maintaining service quality. Laboratories must establish and maintain a quality manual, policies, and SOPs. The second on the list is a strict control of the existing record. It includes proper documentation of all test results, calibration records, and quality records. Next is internal audits. The management must conduct periodic audits to verify if ISO 17025 compliance is being met. Then, according to the audit findings, relevant action plans should be implemented for timely prevention. The management requirement implies that the personnel must address non-conformities and stop the recurrence of adverse incidents. This promotes a culture of constant improvement that encourages risk-based thinking, too. Not only the management but also the employees feel empowered to make risk-based thinking and decision-making. They help management detect and mitigate the threat factors to enhance the efficacy of the laboratory actions.
B. Technical Requirements (Focus on Lab Competency) – Technical clauses should be given priority as much as the management requirements. The technical essentials ensure that laboratory testing and calibration activities are technically valid and reliable.
1.Competence of Personnel – Staff must have the necessary education, training, and experience. Regular competency evaluations and training programs must be conducted.
2.Equipment and Calibration – All equipment must be properly calibrated, maintained, and verified for accuracy. Use of traceable reference materials and calibration standards.
3.Test and Calibration Methods – Laboratories must use validated and standardized methods. Proper measurement uncertainty estimation and statistical techniques should be applied.
4.Sampling and Handling of Test Items – Proper procedures for sample collection, transportation, storage, and disposal. Avoid contamination or degradation of test samples.
5.Ensuring Validity of Test Results – Use of proficiency testing (PT) and inter-laboratory comparisons to validate accuracy. Continuous monitoring of measurement performance.
6.Reporting of Results – Clear, accurate, and tamper-proof test reports with traceability details. The reports must include – an identification of the test method, measurement uncertainty, reference to accredited status, and the name of the responsible personnel.
To learn about “What is the difference between NABL and ISO 17025?”, get professional assistance in the USA. At ComplianceHelp Consulting LLC, find many services for conducting internal audits, gap analysis, and readiness reviews. Besides having a comprehensive set of guidance, you have the opportunity to customize the package according to your needs. Your overall cost might come down to an unbelievable amount after the ISO 17025 quality management consultancy experts assess and evaluate the exact requirements.