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Biological

Biological

A2LA's biological testing field covers biological, microbiological, and biochemical testing and measurement, including but not limited to the examination of foods, cannabis, and pharmaceuticals.

Program Requirements

ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
Optional Requirements for the Accreditation of Field Work.
- A2LA also offers additional requirements for laboratories performing tests in the field (i.e., at other than a permanent laboratory site).
Optional Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements.

Biological Subprograms

In addition to the general biological field, subprograms within this field have been developed in the following areas, each of which has associated with it additional, specific requirements for accreditation. Learn more:

Food and Pharmaceutical Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program
Veterinary Laboratory Accreditation Program
Cannabis Testing Laboratory Accreditation Program

Events

Precision Measurement Training Program

The Precision Measurement Training Program is a strategic training partnership between A2LA and Wor… Read more

A2LA Accreditation Programs - Open Q&A

Join A2LA staff in a public Q&A! Read more

The A2LA Forensic Accreditation Program - An Overview

Join us for a free introductory webinar on the A2LA Forensic Accreditation Program! Read more

NEW! ISO/IEC 17025:2017- The New Standard for Laboratory Competence (MS 111)

This course is a comprehensive review of the philosophies and requirements of this international St… Read more

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for Cannabis Testing Laboratories (MS 104)

This course includes a comprehensive review as well as exposure to the core philosophies and requir… Read more

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Laboratory Accreditation, Including AOAC Food Program Guidelines (MS 103)

This course includes a comprehensive review as well as exposure to the core philosophies and requir… Read more

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Resources

A2LA Issues First Accreditation to Newly Published ISO/IEC 17025:2017

Fischer Custom Communications is accredited to perform electrical – R/F microwave calibrations and has been accredited by A2LA, previously under the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard, for over 10 years. Read more

A2LA Launches Cybersecurity Inspection Body Program

This third-party accreditation offers an independent review of an organization’s compliance to both ISO/IEC 17020 as well as technical program requirements for the desired scope of accreditation. Read more

A2LA Accredits First Recreational Marijuana Laboratory in Alaska to ISO/IEC 17025

A2LA Accredits First Recreational Marijuana Laboratory in Alaska to ISO/IEC 17025 Read more

A2LA Today March 2018 Newsletter

A2LA Today l March 2018 l Number 138 Read more

ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17011 Update

A2LA Today l December 2017 l Number 137 By Trace McInturff, A2LA Senior Director, Accreditation Services Read more

New & Updated Documents December 2017

A2LA Today l December 2017 l Number 137 By Pam Wright, A2LA Quality Manager Read more

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FAQs

What is a CAB?

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How does A2LA determine the number of assessors that will be assigned to perform our assessment?

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Does A2LA have recognition from specific organizations in the United States?

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Yes. Domestic recognition of A2LA programs in…

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A2LA Management has published a comprehensive…

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Terms such as "quality system registration" or "a…

How long does it take to obtain A2LA accreditation?

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The key factor in determining the time it wil…

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The requirements for which a CAB is normally asse…

What are the typical steps in planning for laboratory accreditation?

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The cost to obtain accreditation will vary depend…

What is "conformity assessment accreditation"?

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Conformity assessment accreditation is defined as…

What is the "scope of accreditation"?

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The list of specific tests, types of tests, calib…

Why isn't compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 enough for A2LA Accreditation?

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The introduction to ISO/IEC 17025 notes that accr…

When should we enroll in proficiency testing programs?

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Laboratories that intend to apply in the near fut…

What are the proficiency testing requirements for laboratories seeking accreditation?

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A2LA now publishes all proficiency testing (PT) r…

What are A2LA's Metrological Traceability Policies?

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A2LA's general Metrological Traceability Policy r…

Which calibration laboratories in the U.S. are acceptable to A2LA?

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There are five accreditation bodies (ABs) in the …

How are exceptions to the A2LA Traceability Policy handled?

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Exceptions to the A2LA Traceability Policy ca…

What happens during the assessment if our calibration services are not accredited by an accreditation body recognized by A2LA?

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In general, A2LA's assessors will cite labora…

Lodging a Complaint

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In order for us to investigate and assist in reso…

Disputes with A2LA Accredited Organizations

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If the issue relates to a dispute with an A2L…

Who evaluates A2LA?

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Evaluation of A2LA is done through the peer e…

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