The age of competence: an update on the international laboratory accreditation scene for veterinary testing laboratories

National Veterinary Services Laboratories, USDA, APHIS, Ames, IA 50010, USA.

Many changes have recently taken place in the world of laboratory accreditation. These changes include the increased use of voluntary standards in lieu of regulations, a move towards harmonization (equivalent results using voluntary standards) over standardization (using the same procedures or regulations), and an increased focus on competence, which includes the competence of laboratories to conduct testing, the competence of accreditation bodies to operate accreditation programs, the competence of bodies such as the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NACLA) to recognize accreditation bodies as meeting the requirements of relevant standards, and the competence of organizations providing services to the accreditation process, such as the operation of proficiency testing programs. To describe these changes, a brief and general description of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation accreditation scheme is provided, including an update on relevant decisions and activities in the United States and a description of the organization and activities of the newly formed NACLA. Following this discussion, with emphasis on veterinary testing, is an overview of several national and international organizations, including accreditation bodies, that promote harmonization, standardization, and analytical excellence. Also outlined are relevant activities of these organizations, an overview of some of the standards and guidelines they produce, and a description of how such organizations interact with each other and with laboratories seeking recognition for competence. Next is a brief discussion of recent developments and trends in laboratory accreditation, the impact of these developments, and the costs and benefits of accreditation to laboratories. Suggestions to veterinary laboratories for formulating strategy for keeping current with developments in accreditation and for determining quality goals are included.