Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
• Quality control:
this system provides proof that work is accurate, repeatable and reliable.
Proiciency tests, split samples, repeated tests and blind tests are all tools used in quality control.
Data may be internal (obtained within the lab) or external (comparing results lab to lab, proi-
ciency tests, etc.).
In addition to a quality manual, an organization will have detailed procedures (sometimes called
Standard Operating Procedures or SOPs) describing responsibility and worklow for test procedures and
lab operations such as those described above, and other documents such as unit work instructions, forms,
reports, and reference material (Fig. 12.3). Effective documentation is a key component for ensuring con-
sistency and accuracy in all areas of management and testing.
Records are a critical component of a quality system because they provide proof of compliance. The
basic rule of thumb is “If it was not written down, it did not happen.” It is important to maintain a balance
between collecting enough information to prove compliance and to be able accurately to reconstruct any
test, and becoming overwhelmed by paperwork. Records must be accessible and easily located so that cor-
rective action investigations can proceed quickly.
Figure 12.3. Quality manual, standard operating procedures, work (seed testing) instructions, and records
are the principle components of any quality control system (courtesy of Oregon State University Seed
Laboratory).
Quality systems, much like the organizations they represent, exist in a state of continual change and
improvement. Lack of change in a system is evidence of an unhealthy, ineffective system. Self-analysis
activities such as audits, quality control and management reviews provide critical information about the
effectiveness of both the system and the testing. Continuously improving the effectiveness of its quality
system should be a primary goal of an organization.
ISo Standards and Accreditation
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes accreditation standards but does not
accredit laboratories. To be accredited to an ISO standard, a laboratory must choose an accrediting body,
which issues the accreditation certiicate upon the recommendation of an auditor. Auditors typically operate
independently as third parties, afiliated with neither the laboratory nor the accrediting body. The accredita-
tion certiicate is usually renewed at regular intervals recommended by the accreditation body, typically
around 3 years.
ISO accreditation has substantial beneits including universal recognition and acceptance. It is required
to contract with many government agencies and private companies. ISO publishes a wide range of stan-
dards speciic to various industries. The two most applicable to seed laboratories are ISO 9001:2000 and
ISO 17025.
