Laboratory accreditation

Select from these training courses suitable for testing and calibration laboratories:

Laboratory Quality Management

Good Laboratory Practice

NZS ISO/IEC 17025 for Laboratory Managers and Technical Assessors

Medical Laboratory Quality Management

Laboratory Health and Safety

Traceability and Uncertainty in Measurement

Analytical Method Validation

Internal Auditing

Internal Auditing for Medical Laboratories

Laboratory Quality Management

Accurate and timely test results are the basis on which many important decisions are made.

The provision of reliable and timely information is critical in the modern testing laboratory environment. It is vital that well documented quality management systems and validated testing procedures are effectively implemented and the laboratory is operated by well-trained and competent staff.

Suitability
This three-day course is particularly suited for staff new to a laboratory environment. It gives participants guidance and training in the skills needed to develop and implement an effective laboratory quality management system. The course is based on NZS ISO/IEC 17025:2005, the standard used for accrediting laboratories in New Zealand.

Upon completion of the course you will have gained knowledge and an understanding of:

• Quality management concepts and culture
• The elements of NZS ISO/IEC 17025
• The development & the role of international standards
• Method selection and validation
• Selection, training and supervision of staff
• Equipment management and calibration
• Analytical variation and the uncertainty of measurement
• Test records and reports
• The accreditation process including signatory approval
• The development, documentation and implementation of quality systems.

Presenters
The course is presented by senior International Accreditation New Zealand staff, each with a laboratory background and a detailed knowledge of the implementation of quality management systems in the laboratory setting.
The presentation style includes the frequent use of real laboratory example situations to illustrate key points and a number of group exercises to reinforce the practical application of the subject material.

Locations and dates

Auckland
12-14 May
13-15 October

Christchurch
11-13 August

Duration & Price
Three day course
$1625 +gst
Book one month in advance to receive the early bird price of $1425 + gst

Course fees include
• Tuition
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (depending on course times)
• All course notes and take-home reference materials.

> Enrolment form

Good Laboratory Practice

For organisations interested in practical training and guidance on the implementation of OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

In this two-day course, we will clearly explain the concepts involved in managing the conduct of non-clinical environmental health and safety studies related to the registration of pharmaceuticals, agricultural and veterinary and industrial chemicals.

Course outline:

• Overview of GLP
• Setting up the GLP System
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Test Facility Organisation and Personnel
• Study Plans
• Equipment, Test Systems, Facilities, Test and Reference Items
• Conduct of the Study
• Reporting of Study Results
• Storage and Retention of Records & Materials
• Quality Assurance
• GLP Registration Process.

Presenters
The course is presented by Louise Calder and Barry Ashcroft. Louise is the manager of the GLP Program for the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Australia. She has a Bachelor of Science degree (Marine Science and Zoology) from the University of Sydney and 20 years experience in her field. Barry Ashcroft is the General Manager of Accreditation Services for International Accreditation New Zealand.

Locations & Dates
TBA

Duration & Prices
Two day course
$1095 +gst
Book one month in advance to receive the early bird price of $995 + gst

> Enrolment Form

NZS ISO/IEC 17025 for Laboratory Managers and IANZ Technical Assessors

The international standard NZS ISO/IEC 17025 is the primary criteria for IANZ accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories

This standard sets out the criteria for laboratories wishing to demonstrate that they are technically competent, operate an effective quality system and are able to generate technically valid calibration and test results.

This course is for laboratory managers, IANZ approved Signatories and Technical Assessors who wish to:

• Understand the requirements of the standard and the latest updates so that implementation will proceed smoothly
• Refresh their knowledge of the general requirements for IANZ Laboratory Accreditation.
• Understand the process of assessing against this standard.

Presenter
Dr Max Robertson, Retired General Manager Accreditation Services, International Accreditation New Zealand, presents this course. Dr Robertson has over 25 years experience as a practitioner and manager in commercial and government laboratories. For several years he was a management consultant to a variety of businesses including laboratories and has conducted many laboratory management and accreditation training courses, both local and overseas.

Locations and dates

Auckland
29-30 July

Duration & Price
Two day course
$1045 + gst
Book one month in advance to receive the early bird price of $875 + gst

Course fees include
• Tuition
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (depending on course times)
• All course notes and take-home reference materials.

> Enrolment form

Traceability and Uncertainty in Measurement for Testing Laboratories

ISO/IEC 17025 requires that all laboratories must make a reasonable estimate of their uncertainties of measurement. Join this course to find out how to do it.

Testing laboratories are required to be in full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. Laboratories need to have and apply procedures for making reasonable estimates of their uncertainties of measurement.

The first day of the course will cover:

• International agreements on how to approach uncertainty estimates for the various disciplines
• IANZ policy for the various disciplines on how to approach uncertainty estimates
• Meaning of uncertainty and overview of uncertainty requirements in ISO/IEC 17025
• Other key elements of the standard related to uncertainty such as method validation and traceability
• Description of various approaches such as using published data, using precision data and full ISO - GUM estimations
• A simple illustration of how to apply GUM

On the second day, the class will divide up into two discipline groups – chemical/biological and physical testing - where each will cover:

• Possible alternative approaches for your discipline
• Deciding when to use which approach
• Examples and practical exercises on estimating uncertainty using the various identified approaches.

Suitability
This course is designed for the analysts who will be required to estimate the uncertainties of their test results and for those responsible for technical management of testing laboratories.
Participants will be guided through the decisions on which approach is best for their applications. Instructions and practical exercises will be given on how to prepare the models and do the calculations necessary to arrive at reasonable estimates of uncertainty.

Presenter
The lead presenter is Dr. Max Robertson, retired General Manager, International Accreditation New Zealand. Max was a leader in recent APLAC workshops on uncertainty in testing. Other experts may also be used to present this course.

Locations and dates

Auckland
27-28 July

Duration & Price
Two day course
$1095 + gst
Book one month in advance to receive the early bird price of $995 + gst

Course fees include
• Tuition
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (depending on course times)
• All course notes and take-home reference materials.

> Enrolment form

Analytical Method Validation

This course has been specifically designed to allow chemical and biological testing laboratory personnel to learn about the concepts and conduct of analytical method validation.

Analytical laboratories often seek to carry out method validation to fulfil the accreditation requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Other compelling reasons for conducting it are:

• An analytical method is then much better understood
• Capabilities and limitations of the method are established
• Factors that influence method performance are better identified.

The following topics will be covered:

• Introduction and concepts
• The NZS ISO/IEC 17025 perspective
• Performance characteristics: terminology
• A systematic approach to validating analytical methods
• Quality assurance aspects impacting on validation
• Integrating measurement uncertainty and traceability with validation.

Participants should bring along an example of a simple testing method that they want validated.

Presenter
The course is presented by Dr Eveline Baker (PhD, MSc, BSc Hons, GradDipEd, MRACI, C Chem). Eveline is a scientist whose career has a strong focus on tertiary and industry-based education and training.
Dr Baker’s strong communication skills, motivational style of delivery and ability to explain scientific and technical concepts clearly are highly valued by participants in her presentations.

Locations and dates
Auckland
8-9 September

Duration & Price
Two day course
$1045 + gst

Course fees include
• Tuition
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (depending on course times)
• All course notes and take-home reference materials

> Enrolment form