A new approach to laboratory accreditation and expansion of scope

A new approach to laboratory accreditation is presented. The problem today in the laboratory community is: the number of standards requiring accreditation is growing exponentially; the present laboratory accreditation program was not designed to accommodate the proliferation of standards brought on by the MRAs; and the accreditors, US manufacturers, and the laboratory community (including those involved in the TCB program) need a process that will expedite the time to market. The proposed method will help to expedite accreditations, while preserving the present quality system. An EMC laboratory would be audited to a primary list of approximately 15 test methods. Once the laboratory has been accredited to the primary test methods, additional tests standards would be added through an incremental increase in scope using a standard form submitted and reviewed by the accreditor. This new process will: help accreditors meet their obligation to the laboratory community; develop a stronger trust and working relationship between the accreditor and the laboratories; give an approach that will work for the large number of accreditations needed due to the MRAs; and allow the laboratories to meet the needs of the US manufacturing community in a timely manner