American Association for Laboratory Accreditation - Revision history

Shawndouglas: Fixed spacing bug in citation

2016-03-14T15:39:51Z

Fixed spacing bug in citation

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 14 March 2016
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	NVLAP was originally borne from "a government-private effort to accredit laboratories for classes of technology to a government program that accredits laboratories on a product-by-product basis or an associated service basis where the product or the service is defined by standards and test methods."<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> The need for laboratory product-based verification resulted in the creation of NVLAP Type I accreditation programs, "whose usual objective is to assure that accredited laboratories exist to serve product assurance requirements imposed upon laboratory users."<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> Additionally, a need for service-based testing accreditation programs — focused heavily on labs themselves and their thoughts on standards and protocol rather than the end users— drove the creation of Type II programs. However, NIST eventually focused on Type I programs. The alternative A2LA placed more focus on Type II programs. <ref name="HyerASelect98" /><ref name="LockeLab82" />		NVLAP was originally borne from "a government-private effort to accredit laboratories for classes of technology to a government program that accredits laboratories on a product-by-product basis or an associated service basis where the product or the service is defined by standards and test methods."<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> The need for laboratory product-based verification resulted in the creation of NVLAP Type I accreditation programs, "whose usual objective is to assure that accredited laboratories exist to serve product assurance requirements imposed upon laboratory users."<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> Additionally, a need for service-based testing accreditation programs — focused heavily on labs themselves and their thoughts on standards and protocol rather than the end users— drove the creation of Type II programs. However, NIST eventually focused on Type I programs. The alternative A2LA placed more focus on Type II programs. <ref name="HyerASelect98" /><ref name="LockeLab82" />

	By the spring of 1981, ACIL and the A2LA were stating their case that NIST's NVLAP be phased out, leaving private sector bodies such as the A2LA to handle testing laboratory accreditation with greater expedience and lower costs. They further suggested that NIST could still be involved, though as an entity that would accredit A2LA and other accrediting bodies. However, it wasn't until the publishing of the National Research Council's report "Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Trade: Into the 21st Century" and the subsequent passage of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) in 1996 that a concerted effort began towards the goal of accrediting the accredited.<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> "Government recognition of private-sector accreditors will enable both regulatory and procurement agencies to eliminate the costs associated with operating federal accreditation, certification, and other conformity assessment programs," said the National Research Council, "while maintaining responsible oversight of regulatory and procurement enforcement."<ref name="NRCStand95">{{cite book \|url=http://www.nap.edu/catalog/4921/standards-conformity-assessment-and-trade-into-the-21st-century \|title=Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Trade:		By the spring of 1981, ACIL and the A2LA were stating their case that NIST's NVLAP be phased out, leaving private sector bodies such as the A2LA to handle testing laboratory accreditation with greater expedience and lower costs. They further suggested that NIST could still be involved, though as an entity that would accredit A2LA and other accrediting bodies. However, it wasn't until the publishing of the National Research Council's report "Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Trade: Into the 21st Century" and the subsequent passage of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) in 1996 that a concerted effort began towards the goal of accrediting the accredited.<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> "Government recognition of private-sector accreditors will enable both regulatory and procurement agencies to eliminate the costs associated with operating federal accreditation, certification, and other conformity assessment programs," said the National Research Council, "while maintaining responsible oversight of regulatory and procurement enforcement."<ref name="NRCStand95">{{cite book \|url=http://www.nap.edu/catalog/4921/standards-conformity-assessment-and-trade-into-the-21st-century \|title=Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Trade: Into the 21st Century \|author=International Standards, Conformity Assessment, and U.S. Trade Policy Project Committee; Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy; National Research Council \|publisher=National Academy Press \|year=1995 \|pages=256 \|isbn=9780309086479 \|doi=10.17226/4921 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> However, rather than NVLAP disappearing, the A2LA and the International Council of Building Officials Evaluation Service (ICBO ES) joined NVLAP in October 2000 as officially recognized accreditation bodies by the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NCLA). The NCLA, basing its accreditation programs on ISO/IEC 17025:1999 criteria, was created in part due to the confusing number of standards and accreditation programs, many which were viewed as redundant. NCLA signatory accredited bodies like the A2LA would be required to "treat the accreditations, test reports and certificates of the other signatories as technically equivalent."<ref name="ONeilNACLA00">{{cite web \|url=http://www.a2la.org/press_releases/mranewsrelease2.doc.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation \|author=O'Neil, Joe \|publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology \|date=02 October 2000 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="SingerALab01">{{cite book \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FQaOq7Tuc_cC&pg=PA339 \|chapter=Chapter 13: Accreditation and Harmonization \|title=A Laboratory Quality Handbook of Best Practices \|author=Robinson, Roxanne M.; Valentine, Daren C. \|editor=Singer, Donald C. \|publisher=ASQ Quality Press \|location=Milwaukee, WI \|year=2001 \|pages=339–354 \|isbn=0873894901 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>
	Into the 21st Century \|author=International Standards, Conformity Assessment, and U.S. Trade Policy Project Committee; Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy; National Research Council \|publisher=National Academy Press \|year=1995 \|pages=256 \|isbn=9780309086479 \|doi=10.17226/4921 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> However, rather than NVLAP disappearing, the A2LA and the International Council of Building Officials Evaluation Service (ICBO ES) joined NVLAP in October 2000 as officially recognized accreditation bodies by the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NCLA). The NCLA, basing its accreditation programs on ISO/IEC 17025:1999 criteria, was created in part due to the confusing number of standards and accreditation programs, many which were viewed as redundant. NCLA signatory accredited bodies like the A2LA would be required to "treat the accreditations, test reports and certificates of the other signatories as technically equivalent."<ref name="ONeilNACLA00">{{cite web \|url=http://www.a2la.org/press_releases/mranewsrelease2.doc.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation \|author=O'Neil, Joe \|publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology \|date=02 October 2000 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="SingerALab01">{{cite book \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FQaOq7Tuc_cC&pg=PA339 \|chapter=Chapter 13: Accreditation and Harmonization \|title=A Laboratory Quality Handbook of Best Practices \|author=Robinson, Roxanne M.; Valentine, Daren C. \|editor=Singer, Donald C. \|publisher=ASQ Quality Press \|location=Milwaukee, WI \|year=2001 \|pages=339–354 \|isbn=0873894901 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

	In February 1998, the A2LA accredited the thousandth lab in its history. By April 2003 that number had risen to 2000 labs.<ref name="A2lANewsDec03">{{cite journal \|url=https://www.a2la.org/newsletters/a2lanews_dec2003.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=Milestones of A2LA \|journal=A2LA News \|author=Unger, Peter \|issue=83 \|year=December 2003 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> In late June 2003, A2LA's technical manager Warren Merkel joined NIST as NVLAP's program director.<ref name="NISTSelect03">{{cite web \|url=http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/nvlap.cfm \|title=NIST Selects New Chief of National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program \|publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology \|date=10 June 2003 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>		In February 1998, the A2LA accredited the thousandth lab in its history. By April 2003 that number had risen to 2000 labs.<ref name="A2lANewsDec03">{{cite journal \|url=https://www.a2la.org/newsletters/a2lanews_dec2003.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=Milestones of A2LA \|journal=A2LA News \|author=Unger, Peter \|issue=83 \|year=December 2003 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> In late June 2003, A2LA's technical manager Warren Merkel joined NIST as NVLAP's program director.<ref name="NISTSelect03">{{cite web \|url=http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/nvlap.cfm \|title=NIST Selects New Chief of National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program \|publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology \|date=10 June 2003 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

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2016-02-15T21:46:41Z

Compliance: Name

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	==Compliance==		==Compliance==
	After acceptance, the ~~A2lA~~ will use the renewal assessment process to ensure a lab's compliance with the body's accreditation standards. In the unusual case of a laboratory failing to pay fees or comply with the body's accreditation standards, the A2LA may choose to place the lab on suspension. Once on suspension, the affected lab must satisfy certain conditions before being able to again operate and eventually be reinstated. The reinstatement process may vary slightly by accreditation program; the ISO 15189 reinstatement process, for example, requires a three-member panel review and vote for or against reinstatement.<ref name="A2LAR901">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/requirements/15189_R901.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=R901 – General Requirements: Accreditation of Clinical Testing Laboratories Meeting the ISO 15189 Requirements \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=12 August 2014 \|pages=29 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref> In extreme cases of non-compliance, the A2LA can also choose to completely revoke the lab's accreditation in a process called enforced withdraw.<ref name="A2LASus">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/dirsearchnew/susdefinitions.cfm \|title=Suspensions and Withdrawals \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=2013 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref>		After acceptance, the A2LA will use the renewal assessment process to ensure a lab's compliance with the body's accreditation standards. In the unusual case of a laboratory failing to pay fees or comply with the body's accreditation standards, the A2LA may choose to place the lab on suspension. Once on suspension, the affected lab must satisfy certain conditions before being able to again operate and eventually be reinstated. The reinstatement process may vary slightly by accreditation program; the ISO 15189 reinstatement process, for example, requires a three-member panel review and vote for or against reinstatement.<ref name="A2LAR901">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/requirements/15189_R901.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=R901 – General Requirements: Accreditation of Clinical Testing Laboratories Meeting the ISO 15189 Requirements \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=12 August 2014 \|pages=29 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref> In extreme cases of non-compliance, the A2LA can also choose to completely revoke the lab's accreditation in a process called enforced withdraw.<ref name="A2LASus">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/dirsearchnew/susdefinitions.cfm \|title=Suspensions and Withdrawals \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=2013 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref>

	==External links==		==External links==

Shawndouglas: Updated with accreditation and compliance info

2016-02-15T20:38:49Z

Updated with accreditation and compliance info

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 15 February 2016
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	On October 25, 2010, A2LA announced that it would be expanding accreditation programs into the field of [[forensic science]], offering both a forensic testing lab option for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and a forensic inspection body (crime scene unit) option for compliance with ISO/IEC 17020.<ref name="A2lAForensic10">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/press_releases/release10232010_Forensic_Program.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=A2LA Now Offers Accreditation for Forensic Examination \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=25 October 2010 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> The organization accredited its first forensic lab a little over a year later.<ref name="A2lAForensic11">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/press_releases/first_forensics_lab_PR.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=A2LA Accredits First Forensic Examination Testing Laboratory \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=17 November 2011 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>		On October 25, 2010, A2LA announced that it would be expanding accreditation programs into the field of [[forensic science]], offering both a forensic testing lab option for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and a forensic inspection body (crime scene unit) option for compliance with ISO/IEC 17020.<ref name="A2lAForensic10">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/press_releases/release10232010_Forensic_Program.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=A2LA Now Offers Accreditation for Forensic Examination \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=25 October 2010 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> The organization accredited its first forensic lab a little over a year later.<ref name="A2lAForensic11">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/press_releases/first_forensics_lab_PR.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=A2LA Accredits First Forensic Examination Testing Laboratory \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=17 November 2011 \|accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

			==Accreditation==
			The A2LA offer tens of different accreditation programs for laboratories and testing centers, each with their own varying requirements.<ref name="A2LAAccredProgs" /> Application review, on-site assessments, quality review, and, if necessary, corrective action resolutions are conducted before the final review and accreditation decision. For most programs, the accreditation lasts for two years as long as the lab remains compliant and maintains obligations such as notification of significant changes to primary policies, resources, organization, and legal ownership.<ref name="A2LAI105">{{cite web \|url=http://www.a2la.org/applications/Preparing_for_Accreditation.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=I105 – Typical Steps in Preparing for the Accreditation Process \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=12 May 2015 \|pages=6 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref>

			==Compliance==
			After acceptance, the A2lA will use the renewal assessment process to ensure a lab's compliance with the body's accreditation standards. In the unusual case of a laboratory failing to pay fees or comply with the body's accreditation standards, the A2LA may choose to place the lab on suspension. Once on suspension, the affected lab must satisfy certain conditions before being able to again operate and eventually be reinstated. The reinstatement process may vary slightly by accreditation program; the ISO 15189 reinstatement process, for example, requires a three-member panel review and vote for or against reinstatement.<ref name="A2LAR901">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/requirements/15189_R901.pdf \|format=PDF \|title=R901 – General Requirements: Accreditation of Clinical Testing Laboratories Meeting the ISO 15189 Requirements \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=12 August 2014 \|pages=29 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref> In extreme cases of non-compliance, the A2LA can also choose to completely revoke the lab's accreditation in a process called enforced withdraw.<ref name="A2LASus">{{cite web \|url=https://www.a2la.org/dirsearchnew/susdefinitions.cfm \|title=Suspensions and Withdrawals \|publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation \|date=2013 \|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref>

	==External links==		==External links==

Shawndouglas: Added content written offline during wiki outage.

2016-02-13T00:01:14Z

Added content written offline during wiki outage.

New page

The '''American Association for Laboratory Accreditation''' ('''A2LA''') is an international non-profit, non-governmental, independent organization and accrediting body that provides accreditation and training services for numerous types of [[laboratory|laboratories]]. The A2LA offers accreditation programs and training courses for the biological, chemical, clinical, energy, environmental, forensic, manufacturing, and mechanical industries, among others.<ref name="A2LAAccredProgs">{{cite web |url=https://www.a2la.org/appsweb/industry.cfm |title=Industry-Specific Accreditation Programs |publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="A2LATrainProgs">{{cite web |url=https://www.a2la.org/training/index.cfm |title=A2LA Training Programs Overview |publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

==History==
The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (AALA) was founded in 1978 by the American Council of Independent Testing Laboratories (ACIL), with financial support from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The AALA (later dubbed the A2LA for convenience) was set up as a private sector alternative to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), itself established in 1976.<ref name="LockeLab82">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5AwCHKSCJrkC&pg=PA28 |chapter=History of Laboratory Accreditation in the U.S. |title=Laboratory Accreditation: Future Directions in the United States |author=Young, Theodore R. |editor=Locke, John W. |publisher=National Bureau of Standards |year=1982 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="HyerASelect98">{{cite book |url= http://gsi.nist.gov/global/docs/GCR%2098-740.pdf |format=PDF |title=A Selective Review of Testing Laboratory Accreditation Movements in the United States |editor=Hyer, Charles W. |publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology |year=1998 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

NVLAP was originally borne from "a government-private effort to accredit laboratories for classes of technology to a government program that accredits laboratories on a product-by-product basis or an associated service basis where the product or the service is defined by standards and test methods."<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> The need for laboratory product-based verification resulted in the creation of NVLAP Type I accreditation programs, "whose usual objective is to assure that accredited laboratories exist to serve product assurance requirements imposed upon laboratory users."<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> Additionally, a need for service-based testing accreditation programs — focused heavily on labs themselves and their thoughts on standards and protocol rather than the end users— drove the creation of Type II programs. However, NIST eventually focused on Type I programs. The alternative A2LA placed more focus on Type II programs. <ref name="HyerASelect98" /><ref name="LockeLab82" />

By the spring of 1981, ACIL and the A2LA were stating their case that NIST's NVLAP be phased out, leaving private sector bodies such as the A2LA to handle testing laboratory accreditation with greater expedience and lower costs. They further suggested that NIST could still be involved, though as an entity that would accredit A2LA and other accrediting bodies. However, it wasn't until the publishing of the National Research Council's report "Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Trade: Into the 21st Century" and the subsequent passage of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) in 1996 that a concerted effort began towards the goal of accrediting the accredited.<ref name="HyerASelect98" /> "Government recognition of private-sector accreditors will enable both regulatory and procurement agencies to eliminate the costs associated with operating federal accreditation, certification, and other conformity assessment programs," said the National Research Council, "while maintaining responsible oversight of regulatory and procurement enforcement."<ref name="NRCStand95">{{cite book |url=http://www.nap.edu/catalog/4921/standards-conformity-assessment-and-trade-into-the-21st-century |title=Standards, Conformity Assessment, and Trade:
Into the 21st Century |author=International Standards, Conformity Assessment, and U.S. Trade Policy Project Committee; Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy; National Research Council |publisher=National Academy Press |year=1995 |pages=256 |isbn=9780309086479 |doi=10.17226/4921 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> However, rather than NVLAP disappearing, the A2LA and the International Council of Building Officials Evaluation Service (ICBO ES) joined NVLAP in October 2000 as officially recognized accreditation bodies by the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NCLA). The NCLA, basing its accreditation programs on ISO/IEC 17025:1999 criteria, was created in part due to the confusing number of standards and accreditation programs, many which were viewed as redundant. NCLA signatory accredited bodies like the A2LA would be required to "treat the accreditations, test reports and certificates of the other signatories as technically equivalent."<ref name="ONeilNACLA00">{{cite web |url=http://www.a2la.org/press_releases/mranewsrelease2.doc.pdf |format=PDF |title=National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation |author=O'Neil, Joe |publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology |date=02 October 2000 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="SingerALab01">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FQaOq7Tuc_cC&pg=PA339 |chapter=Chapter 13: Accreditation and Harmonization |title=A Laboratory Quality Handbook of Best Practices |author=Robinson, Roxanne M.; Valentine, Daren C. |editor=Singer, Donald C. |publisher=ASQ Quality Press |location=Milwaukee, WI |year=2001 |pages=339–354 |isbn=0873894901 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

In February 1998, the A2LA accredited the thousandth lab in its history. By April 2003 that number had risen to 2000 labs.<ref name="A2lANewsDec03">{{cite journal |url=https://www.a2la.org/newsletters/a2lanews_dec2003.pdf |format=PDF |title=Milestones of A2LA |journal=A2LA News |author=Unger, Peter |issue=83 |year=December 2003 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> In late June 2003, A2LA's technical manager Warren Merkel joined NIST as NVLAP's program director.<ref name="NISTSelect03">{{cite web |url=http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/nvlap.cfm |title=NIST Selects New Chief of National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program |publisher=National Institute of Standards and Technology |date=10 June 2003 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

On October 25, 2010, A2LA announced that it would be expanding accreditation programs into the field of [[forensic science]], offering both a forensic testing lab option for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and a forensic inspection body (crime scene unit) option for compliance with ISO/IEC 17020.<ref name="A2lAForensic10">{{cite web |url=https://www.a2la.org/press_releases/release10232010_Forensic_Program.pdf |format=PDF |title=A2LA Now Offers Accreditation for Forensic Examination |publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation |date=25 October 2010 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref> The organization accredited its first forensic lab a little over a year later.<ref name="A2lAForensic11">{{cite web |url=https://www.a2la.org/press_releases/first_forensics_lab_PR.pdf |format=PDF |title=A2LA Accredits First Forensic Examination Testing Laboratory |publisher=American Association for Laboratory Accreditation |date=17 November 2011 |accessdate=08 February 2016}}</ref>

==External links==
* [https://www.a2la.org/appsweb/industry.cfm A2LA accreditation programs], by industry
* [https://www.a2la.org/training/index.cfm A2LA training programs]
* [https://www.a2la.org/newsweb/newsindex.cfm A2LA newsletter archive]
* [https://www.a2la.org/pressweb/prindex.cfm A2LA press release archive]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


[[Category:Accrediting organizations]]