How to Verify a Laboratory's Accreditation

Step 1 — Identify the accreditation body

Ask the laboratory which body accredits it and for its accreditation certificate number. Recognised bodies are signatories to the ILAC mutual recognition arrangement — examples include A2LA, ANAB and NVLAP in the United States and UKAS in the United Kingdom.

Step 2 — Pull the scope from the source

Use the accreditation body's public online directory to find the laboratory's current certificate and scope of accreditation. Do not rely solely on a PDF the laboratory sends — check the live record.

Step 3 — Match the method

• Is your specific method or standard listed?
• Does the edition or year match your requirement, or does the scope cover flexible editions?
• Is the material or product category covered?

Step 4 — Check status and dates

Confirm the accreditation is current, not suspended or expired, and note the expiry date relative to your programme. If anything is unclear, the accreditation body can confirm status directly.

Common questions

What if the method I need is not on any scope?

Some specialised methods are rarely accredited. The laboratory can still be competent — ask about method validation, proficiency testing and quality controls instead.

Does accreditation in one country count in another?

Generally yes for scoped methods, through the ILAC mutual recognition arrangement — but check whether your customer or regulator names specific accreditation bodies.