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Within the field of laboratory analysis accreditation to ISO /IEC 17025 has become an important benchmark, often referred to as the “Gold Standard”.

Lintec's facilities in Rotterdam, Shanghai and Singapore are already accredited to this level and the company has announced that its UK laboratory has now achieved ISO 17025 accreditation also.

What is ISO 17025 ?

ISO 17025 is a measure to assess and recognise the quality and technical competence of a testing agency and has been designed to give customers confidence in the reliability and expertise of the test house.

A management-driven system, ISO 17025 covers the quality, administrative and technical systems that govern the operations of a laboratory. It is a means to provide consistency and control, whilst setting out the company’s expectations, raising standards and leading continuous improvement.

It covers the analysis performed using standard methods, non-standard methods – including methods developed in-house, the associated equipment and calibration, technical training, document control, management input and customer focus.

Overall, ISO17025 provides a Total Quality Management System for laboratory based organisations.

Commenting on the UK laboratory's ISO 17025 accreditation, Steve Bee, Operations Manager for Lintec said "ISO 17025 will enable Lintec Testing Services to enhance the service we offer. It is key to our future business plan, helping the company progress and build an even stronger customer base.

"We will continue to look at key areas such as internationally recognised standards, methods and technology, staff development and training, customer focus and feedback.

"We are confident ISO 17025 will have a major influence on our company as it enables our customers to have total confidence in everything we do.

"We know that in the future we will look back and recognise that 2009 was a significant year in the company’s development,” he added.