ISO 17025 Internal Auditor Ensuring Compliance and Competence in Laboratories
Introduction Maintaining compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 , the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, requires ongoing evaluation of systems, processes, and technical competence. An essential component of this is the role of the ISO 17025 Internal Auditor . These auditors are responsible for assessing the effectiveness of the laboratory’s management system, ensuring continuous improvement, and identifying non-conformities before external audits or regulatory inspections. Properly trained internal auditors help laboratories remain efficient, compliant, and trustworthy in their operations. Role and Responsibilities of an Internal Auditor The primary role of an ISO 17025 internal auditor is to conduct systematic and objective assessments of the laboratory’s quality management system. This includes reviewing documentation, observing procedures, interviewing personnel, and verifying technical activities such as equipment calibration, method validation, and m...