The Importance of Clause 6.6 in ISO 17025: Purchasing and External Services

The Importance of Clause 6.6 in ISO 17025: Purchasing and External Services

Did you know that the quality of your lab’s external purchases and services can significantly impact your results?

Clause 6.6 of ISO 17025 emphasizes ensuring that all materials and services procured externally meet specific requirements to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of results.

This clause focuses on three main pillars:

1️⃣ Defining Purchase Requirements Clearly: Before contracting any supplier, your lab must clearly outline the technical specifications and requirements for the materials or services to minimize errors.

2️⃣ Selecting and Approving Suppliers: Not every supplier is suitable. Suppliers must be evaluated based on their quality record and compliance with international standards.

3️⃣ Monitoring Received Materials and Services: Upon receipt, it’s crucial to verify the quality of the materials or services to ensure they meet specifications and don’t compromise the final results.

💡 Why is this Clause Important?

Imagine your test results depend on a material or service obtained from an unreliable supplier. A small mistake could lead to inaccurate results and damage your lab’s reputation.

Understanding and implementing Clause 6.6 is your first step toward achieving excellence in laboratory operations!