+ A
A -
Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR University's (QU) research laboratories at the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and Laboratory Animal Research Centre (LARC) have been awarded ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).
ISO/IEC 17025 is the single most important standard for calibration and testing laboratories around the world and is used in developing the management system capable of producing accurate and reliable results. This accreditation demonstrates that the labs comply with the accreditation requirements spelled out in ISO/IEC 17025.
As one of the essential requirements of accreditation, QU research labs are participating successfully in the proficiency testing programmes with the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) (USA), the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) (UK) and the Environmental Resources Associates (ERA) Waters (Greece). To enhance the technical competence of its employees, QU has a series of training programmes run by internationally recognised organisations such as A2LA.
QU Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Mariam al Maadeed said:"This achievement underlines the competence of quality management systems, the personnel involved and equipment used at QU's research laboratories. QU's research centres have state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure that can support the research activities of the faculty members, student learning and services to the industry. They also adhere to the highest levels of international best practice."
BRC Director and QU College of Health Sciences Dean Prof Asma al Thani said:"Quality is a journey, not a destination. Quality must be promoted consistently in BRC's activities to eliminate variation in practice. This will result in producing reliable and high-quality research to enrich the health services in Qatar."
LARC Director Dr Hamda al Naemi said:"Highest standards of quality are the key of success and sustained delivery of best service. LARC implements quality standards in all its activities and in providing rodent animal models to support biomedical and health research."
Director of QU Office of Research Planning and Development Dr Aiman Erbad said:"QU's strategic plan aims to increase collaboration with industrial stakeholders. Accreditation and the associated quality standards are a key component to building trust and expanding technical services provided to industry."
QU research laboratories at Environmental Science Center (ESC), Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Central Laboratory Unit (CLU) and Gas Processing Center (GPC) have been awarded renewal of their ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation status from A2LA in 2018, re-affirming their status as world-class facilities complying with international standards and best practice.
The A2LA is a prestigious body offering programmes for the accreditation of testing laboratories across the world. Accreditation is a voluntary, third party-reviewed process in which a laboratory's quality management system is thoroughly evaluated on a regular basis by authorised accrediting agencies to ensure continued technical competence and compliance with ISO standards.
