The A2LA Accreditation Process (summary)
- The applicant laboratory obtains all necessary A2LA application forms, A2LA requirements and policy documents from the web site or directly from A2LA.
- The laboratory obtains an official copy of ISO 15189:2007.
- The laboratory provides A2LA with faxed confirmation that a valid copy of ISO 15189 has been obtained. A2LA then provides the ISO 15189 Assessor Checklist to the laboratory.
- The applicant laboratory completes and returns the application for accreditation, all required supporting documentation, and payment.
- A2LA reviews the application documents and an appropriate assessor(s) is assigned, with laboratory concurrence.
- The assessor contacts the laboratory to discuss the scheduling of the on-site assessment and request the quality documentation. Once documentation is reviewed for completeness, the assessment can be scheduled with the assessor(s).
- The assessment or the pre-assessment is performed and includes: entry briefing; review of quality documentation, records, sample handling; interviews with technicians; demonstrations of tests/calibrations; examination of equipment and calibration records; written report of assessor's findings; and exit briefing.
- The laboratory responds to any deficiencies with a written corrective action response.
- The corrective action is reviewed by the A2LA staff and once complete, is forwarded to the Accreditation Council for a vote.
- Accreditation is granted when affirmative votes are received, all concerns are resolved, and all fees are paid in full.
