Yamen Maksoud (1)*, and Tamim Alia (2)
- Latakia Scientific Agricultural Research Center – Food Technology Division
- Tishreen University – The Higher Institute for Environmental Research.
(*Corresponding author: Yamen Maksoud, E-Mail: maksoud.yamen@gmail.com)
Abstract
ISO/IEC 17025 enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the world. It also helps facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies by generating wider acceptance of results between countries. Test reports and certificates can be accepted from one country to another without the need for further testing, which, in turn, improves international trade. In this study, the reality of Al-Henady Research Station’ Laboratory affiliated to the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) was evaluated in light of the requirements of ISO 17025: 2017. The results of the evaluation showed that the main reasons for the mismatch were due to the lack of risk assessment, the uncertainty of the measurement uncertainty, the lack of documentation, the non-periodic calibration of the devices, and the lack of metrological traceability of the measurement results. It was also noted that the laboratory does not meet the requirements of the management system. The potential risk assessment of the laboratory was performed using the Failure Mode Effects Analysis method (FMEA). A methodology for the application of the standard has been formulated and methods have been proposed to overcome possible difficulties of implementation. In addition, a number of recommendations were made, including the need to educate customers on sampling methods to ensure the correctness of the test results and the need to establish an internal maintenance team and start applying the requirements of the standard, especially items that do not cause any additional burdens to implement.
Keywords: General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research_Al-Henady Laboratory, Laboratory Accreditation, Testing and Calibration laboratories, ISO 17025:2017.
Full paper in Arabic: pdf