Here at IntaForensics, we understand the value of accreditation. The awarding of accreditation reflects that our operations have been scrutinised by an independent and impartial Government recognised body.  This provides assurances to our clients that our testing methods are generating valid results.

The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation means that our company has demonstrated adherence to a list of requirements set out for testing and calibration laboratories. It is an international testing standard, recognised globally.

You might be surprised to hear that Lima, our award-winning forensic casework management system, is designed support your ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation.  Here, we highlight key functionality of Lima that facilitates compliance to the standard.

Personnel records [section 6.2]

Lima provides a central and consistent recording system for all staff training and competency records. This includes comprehensive details of training courses, dates, and providers, as well as the ability to upload electronic certificates and the maintenance of competency records evidencing completed assessments. In addition, it can create recurring events for the continual assessment process, facilitating restricted access to ensure that only specified management and the individual owner can view the records.

During the process of conducting method witness audits, be that through internal auditors or external regulatory bodies, training and competency records are immediately available through Lima’s case management system – allowing assessors to confirm the competence of the individuals they are communicating with.

Facilities and environmental conditions [section 6.3]

Lima is flexible in accommodating case records required for evidencing environmental testing and facility maintenance, monitoring activities and mitigating the risk of cross contamination.

Asset register [section 6.4 and 6.5]

Lima encompasses the comprehensive asset register of equipment records. Each piece of equipment is uniquely identified with an asset number, and this correlates to the Lima record which includes all specification details, ownership, location, deployment status, service records, calibration and electronic certificates. It also holds related case work for traceability and full transparency.

Events can be scheduled within Lima for regular maintenance and calibration checks. What’s more, the asset register similarly holds records of software applications deployed within the laboratory, including details of the version number, validation status and deployment to specific hardware assets.

Validation of methods [section 7.2]

Lima stores case records conducted specifically for the validation of test methods and supplies a comprehensive and traceable record of all validation activities, for repeatability and replicability purposes.

Handling of test items [section 7.4]

Lima allows for the tracking and location of test items at any point whilst the test items are under the responsibility of the laboratory, from receipt to storage, retention, movements, disposal and or return to clients. Lima also provides traceable records of sampling activities and sub-exhibits generated from test items.

Technical records [section 7.5]

Lima holds comprehensive technical records of each case processed by the laboratory. It creates a traceable and auditable log from case creation to closure, including unique and unambiguous identification, test item records, examination activities and notes, generated materials, reports, client contact details and communications, quality assurance checks, task requests and timeline functionality.

Reporting of results [section 7.8]

Lima accommodates report templates and controlled documentation for the consistent reporting of results and case findings in an accurate, clear, unambiguous and objective manner. Lima is also the vehicle for retaining reports as part of technical records.

Control of data and information management [section 7.11]

Lima facilitates direct access to the data and information needed to perform laboratory activities. The knowledge base function in Lima acts as a central repository for standard operating procedures, service level agreements and contact requirements, and laboratory work instructions. This information is accessible at the point of operation and can be incorporated in the internal document control process to evidence current and up-to-date versions.

To find out more about how Lima can help bring your laboratory up to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, Tel: + 44 (0) 247 77 17780 to speak with a member of our team or Book a Demo today.