Implementation and Practical Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 in Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (Sudan)

Abstract

ISO/IEC 17025 is the worldwide quality standard for testing and calibration laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 is the basis for accreditation from any accreditation body. Implementing ISO/IEC 17025 has many benefits for laboratories. There are two main clauses in ISO/IEC 17025 –2005; Management Requirements which are related to the operation and effectiveness of the quality management system within the laboratory and Technical Requirements which address the competence of staff; testing methodology; equipment and quality; and reporting of test and calibration results. This study was carried out at Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) Khartoum Sudan. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the existing quality system at (CVRL) and to determine the quality of working environment and the reliable high quality results that provided by implementing ISO/IEC17025:2005. To achieve these objectives a questionnaire was designed and was distributed to seventy (70) employees to answer the research questions. For statistical analysis; SPSS computerized statistical program was used. The data were analyzed by using Alpha (α) test, Chi-Square test and Frequency test. The study found that the service provided by CVRL was similar to the standard in many quality aspects and this results help to implement the ISO 17025:2005. CVRL lacks good documentation which reflected on some weakness in the management system. Working environment inside (CVRL) is good and may need more improvement to help in correct testing results. More training also are needed to all staff of (CVRL) to implement ISO/IEC17025:2005 to be accredited.