the new tni laboratory accreditation standards
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The New TNI Laboratory Accreditation Standards. Requirements for an Accreditation Body. FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS. TNI develops consensus standards that are voluntarily adopted by states agencies designated as accreditation bodies (ABs). - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The New TNI Laboratory Accreditation StandardsRequirements for an Accreditation Body
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
TNI develops consensus standards that are voluntarily adopted by states agencies designated as accreditation bodies (ABs).
TNI’s NELAP Board oversees accreditation bodies to assure uniformity.
State grants accreditation, which is unconditionally recognized, by other participating ABs.
Laboratories can voluntarily apply to any approved NELAP AB, if their home state does not participate.
NELAP ABs
NELAP Accreditation BodyApplication Being ProcessedWorking on Program/ApplicationRequire ProgramRecognize ProgramIncorporated Program Components
IMPLEMENTATION States adopt standards voluntarily:
Select scope of accreditation; Select voluntary or mandatory nature of
program; Select types of laboratories to be accredited; May use third party assessors; and May assess fees.
States must comply with the standards Accept reciprocity; and Refrain from adding supplemental
requirements.
NELAP BOARD One representative and one alternate from
each NELAP-recognized Accreditation Body. Each representative and alternate is officially
appointed by the Accreditation Body to represent their state program.
A chairperson is selected by the members of the NELAP Board.
Program administrator to help with administrative functions.
Strict voting rules, especially for recognizing an AB.
NELAP BOARD DUTIES The recognition of accreditation
bodies, The adoption of acceptance limits for
proficiency testing, and Implementation of the policies and
procedures that govern the operation of the program.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCREDITATION BODIES
NELAC 2003 1, Program Policy
Scope of Accreditation Reciprocity Secondary Accreditation
2, Proficiency Testing 3, On-Site Assessment 4, Accreditation
Process 6, Accrediting
Authority Policies
The new TNI standard Module I: General
Requirements Module 2:
Proficiency Testing Module 3: On-Site
Assessment Guidance and SOPs
BASIS OF NEW STANDARD
International Standard ISO/IEC 17011:2004(E) Conformity assessment – general requirements
for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies
Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) = Laboratory
MODULE 1: GENERAL
1. Scope2. Normative References3. Terms & Definitions4. Accreditation Body5. Management6. Human Resources7. Accreditation Process8. Responsibilities of the AB and CAB
1-3. SCOPE, REFERENCES AND
TERMS Important terms
Conformity assessment body (CAB) = laboratory Accreditation is attestation of laboratory
competence Accreditation Body is the body that grants the
accreditation Laboratory assessment includes competence of
entire operation, including personnel, test methods and validity of results
Field of accreditation defined as matrix, technology/method and analyte combination
4. ACCREDITATION BODY
Registered legal entity Structure to give confidence in decisions Organized and operated to ensure
objectivity and impartiality Safeguard confidentiality of information Adequate financial resources Clearly describe policies and procedures
for granting accreditation
5. MANAGEMENT Implement quality system
Document control Records Corrective actions Preventative actions Internal audits Management reviews Complaints
6. HUMAN RESOURCES
Sufficient number of qualified assessors
Monitoring Records
7. ACCREDITATION PROCESS
General criteria for processes available
Application process May subcontract the assessment, but
not the accreditation decision Certificate Denial, suspension, withdrawal Assessment
8. RESPONSIBILITIES Laboratory
Fulfill PT and Quality System requirements
Allow AB to inspect operation Provide AB necessary documents Not misuse accreditation status Pay fees Notify AB of significant changes
8. RESPONSIBILITIES Accreditation Body
Make accreditation status publicly available
Ensure laboratory fully conforms with requirements
MODULE 2 - PT Specific requirements for
accreditation bodies regarding PT Criteria is consistent with current
NELAC 2 samples per year; pass 2 out of 3 Evaluation of sample analysis process
during on-site Review results and evaluate data Suspend or revoke accreditation based
on PT failures
MODULE 3 – ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
1. Introduction, Scope and Applicability2. References3. Terms and Definitions4. Human Resources5. Frequency6. Process7. Changes in Laboratory Capability
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS
Initial Reassessment Surveillance Follow-up Extraordinary
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Assessors may not provide consultancy and must avoid any conflict of interest
Initial assessment may be cancelled based on deficiencies identified in document review
GUIDANCE AND SOPs Technical Training for Assessors On-site Assessment Guidance SOP for Evaluating Accreditation
Bodies Other guidance is being developed
EVALUATION OF ABs Once every three years Evaluation team
State or EPA regional personnel QA Officer
Decision by NELAP Board
EVALUATION PROCESS
Completeness check of an AB’s application. Technical review of materials. On-site evaluation. Observation of a laboratory assessment. Prepare the on-site evaluation report. Respond to the AB’s corrective action plans. Provide recommendations to the NELAP
Board.
COSTS AND FEES Currently, ABs provide one of their
staff to participate in the evaluation process, including cost of travel.
In the future, there will be a fee which will cover cost of evaluation, limited membership benefits. This will probably be around $6K
HOW TO BECOME AN AB
Become familiar with the Standard Decide on the scope of accreditation you
want Complete the Accreditation Body Application
form and the following checklists Application Completeness Checklist to Determine Accreditation Body
Compliance Fields of Accreditation
More details on the TNI website