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The ACIL 2023 Annual Meeting, held from October 10th to 12th at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, California, was a pivotal event for members of the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.’s (PJLA) President, Tracy Szerszen, was able to attend this year, participating and cultivating relationships with fellow members.

ACIL is the trade association representing independent, commercial scientific and testing laboratories. Its members are professional services firms engaged in testing, product certification, consulting, and research and development. Affiliated membership is available to manufacturers, laboratories, consultants, and suppliers to the industry.

ACIL’s Vision: Realizing a healthy safe environment for society through the application of unbiased, scientific testing.

ACIL’s Mission: Providing the independent testing community with advocacy, education, and alliances to enable members to better address environmental and product risks to the public.

This year’s meeting brought together industry leaders, offering them a unique platform to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the pressing issues facing their respective labs. The event featured a comprehensive schedule, including a full day dedicated to industry and sector-specific meetings. Attendees had the opportunity to converse with peers who had navigated similar challenges, as well as gain insights from esteemed guest speakers.

The meeting allowed participants to share their priorities and perspectives. Moreover, the Educational Workshops, which focused on laboratory best practices, provided a forum for attendees to learn from the very best in the field.
In addition to its rich content, the ACIL 2023 Annual Meeting was strategically located in the heart of the country, facilitating networking opportunities in a vibrant and dynamic setting. This event exemplified ACIL’s enduring commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth within the independent laboratory community.

Contact us at (248) 519-2603 or [email protected]

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The journey of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation can be both daunting and rewarding. The standard, specifying the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, demands meticulous preparation and a keen understanding of its intricacies. Here are some valuable insights I wish I had known before my first ISO/IEC 17025 assessment.

Clearly Defining the Scope of Your Laboratory Services Is Fundamental. Know exactly what tests or calibrations you want to be accredited for. A well-defined scope helps assessors assess your lab’s competency accurately.

Documentation Is Key. Accurate and comprehensive documentation is the backbone of ISO/IEC 17025. Create a robust quality management system with detailed procedures, records, and policies. Thorough documentation not only facilitates the assessment process but also ensures consistency in your lab’s operations.

Invest in Staff Training and Competency Assessments. Competent personnel are essential to the credibility of your laboratory. Regular training programs enhance skills, boost morale, and ensure that everyone understands and adheres to the established procedures.

Proficiency Testing Matters. These exercises not only validate your lab’s capabilities but also help in identifying areas that need improvement. Addressing these gaps before the assessment can significantly enhance your chances of a success accreditation.

Foster a Continuous Improvement Culture within your laboratory. Regularly review your processes, learn from non-conformities, and implement corrective actions. A proactive approach to addressing issues demonstrates your commitment to quality and compliance.

Maintain Active Communication with the Assessors. Maintain open and transparent communication with the assessors. Be prepared to explain your processes, methods, and quality control measures clearly. Address their queries confidently, showcasing your lab’s expertise and compliance with the standard.

Don’t Underestimate Preliminary Assessments. Conduct preliminary assessments internally or hire external consultants to identify potential gaps. These mock assessments provide valuable feedback, allowing you to fine-tune your processes and documentation before the actual assessment, ensuring a smoother experience.

Patience and Perseverance Are Critical. Achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is not an overnight process. It requires time, effort, and patience. Stay persistent, learn from the challenges, and celebrate the milestones. The journey might be demanding, but the recognition of your lab’s competence is immensely rewarding.

In conclusion, preparing for an ISO/IEC 17025 assessment is a comprehensive endeavor that demands meticulous planning, dedicated effort, and a commitment to quality. Understanding the nuances of the standard and implementing best practices beforehand can significantly enhance your chances of a successful accreditation, paving the way for your laboratory’s excellence in testing and calibration services.

Contact us at (248) 519-2603 or [email protected]

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In recent years, the cannabis industry has seen a remarkable surge in growth and acceptance worldwide. This expansion is not only attributed to shifting societal attitudes but also to the crucial role played by testing labs. These facilities are the unsung heroes, working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that consumers have access to safe, high-quality cannabis products.

One of the primary roles of testing labs in the cannabis industry is to verify the safety and quality of products before they reach consumers. These labs conduct a battery of tests, examining factors such as cannabinoid content, terpene profiles, microbial contaminants, heavy metals, and pesticides. By meticulously analyzing these aspects, labs play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health and well-being of consumers. This rigorous testing process also ensures that consumers receive products that meet their expectations in terms of potency and therapeutic effects. This transparency creätes trust, which is a cornerstone for the sustained growth of any industry.

Labs are not just focused on compliance and safety; they also serve as hubs for innovation and research within the cannabis industry. Through continuous experimentation and analysis, labs contribute to the development of new strains, extraction methods, and product formulations. This research not only benefits producers but also has the potential to revolutionize the medical and therapeutic applications of cannabis.

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) is lucky enough to have worked with some of the best cannabis testing labs in the industry. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited Act Laboratories, Kaycha Labs, Method Testing Labs, ProVerde Labs, PSI Labs, and SC Labs, to name a few, have been at the forefront of cannabis research for years. Their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in the cannabis field has led to breakthroughs in areas such as cannabis genomics and cannabinoid profiling.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, testing labs stand as pillars of trust and reliability. Their contribution goes beyond mere compliance; they actively drive innovation, research, and the establishment of industry standards. Their dedication to safety, quality, and innovation is instrumental in ensuring that the cannabis industry remains a beacon of legitimacy and progress for years to come.

Contact us at (248) 519-2603 or [email protected]

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The Cannabis Science Conference held in Providence, Rhode Island, was a testament to the incredible strides being made in the cannabis industry. This gathering of experts, enthusiasts, and pioneers showcased the latest advancements in cannabis science, fostering a sense of community and sparking discussions that will undoubtedly shape the future of this dynamic field. Here are some of the key takeaways and highlights from this transformative event.

Expert-Led Workshops and Panels:

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to engage directly with experts in intimate workshop settings. These hands-on sessions covered a wide range of topics, from extraction techniques to regulatory compliance, offering attendees a chance to deepen their understanding and practical skills in specific areas of interest.

Tracy Szerszen PJLA’s President had the opportunity to speak on the Panel “Standards and Accreditation – The Way We Move Forward?” and here are her comments “This panel educated the audience on new standard developments being brought forward to the cannabis testing labs. It also addressed how regulatory, accreditors and standard development groups can collectively work together to strengthen the cannabis industry. Panel members were asked how we felt about cannabis being legalized federally. Tracy commented that this would help us as accreditors tremendously. It would make assessing easier if all labs used common standardized test methods and give us more confidence in proficiency testing studies. Input from the audience was entertained and the initiative to organize future meetings with states or through CANNRA would be a start towards this effort”.

Networking Opportunities:

Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advancing the cannabis industry. From impromptu discussions in the hallways to structured networking events, the conference provided ample opportunities for meaningful connections and partnerships.

The Cannabis Science Conference made clear the potential of the growing cannabis industry. The groundbreaking research and collaborative spirit on display serve as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that cannabis can have on society. As we reflect on the knowledge gained and connections made, we look forward to a future where cannabis continues to transform lives and shape the world of science and medicine.

Contact us at (248) 519-2603 or [email protected]

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A Conversation with Gary Steed: The PJLA Difference

At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we consider our labs as part of our extended family. They are the cornerstone of our operations. Many clients have expressed that right from our initial conversation, they could sense that PJLA genuinely invests in their success.

When talking with National Program Manager, Gary Steed, he states, “[Laboratories] mention they have never encountered Project Managers as dedicated, being available to respond to emails or take calls, even during evenings or weekends. It’s not just the level of comfort that impacts their decision to work with us; it’s also about the level of expertise and clarity we bring to the entire process.”

Laboratory accreditation enhances credibility and trustworthiness. This can, in turn, build trust among stakeholders, including customers, regulatory bodies, and the public. Having an Accreditation Body that is dedicated to seeing your organization flourish is vital to the continued success and growth of your company.

Whether you are a new lab pursuing accreditation for the first time or are an established one that is dissatisfied with their current Accreditation Body provider, every lab deserves a team like PJLA who is readily available to assist whenever needed. Reach out to one of our experts today!

Contact us at (248) 519-2603 or [email protected]

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Welcome To Our PJLA Blog

So glad you joined us here on the PJLA Blog! Stay tuned for the latest news, relevant industry updates, and a few fun posts along the way.

A little bit about Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) for the newcomers.

PJLA is a globally recognized accreditation body that provides accreditation services to various types of organizations, including but not limited to:

• Testing and Calibration Laboratories – ISO/IEC17025 — General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
• Medical Laboratories — ISO 15189 Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence
• Inspection Body — ISO/IEC 17020 — Conformity assessment — Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
• Reference Material Producers — ISO 17034 — General requirements for the competence of reference material producers
• Proficiency Testing Providers — ISO/IEC 17043 Conformity assessment — General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers

Our dedicated team of experts assesses these organizations based on established standards and criteria. The accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of a company’s quality management system, technical competence, and adherence to specific industry standards.

We are committed to keeping organizations up to date on the latest and greatest news and information within the industry. Have any topics you would like to dive into? We are also always open to suggestions.

We look forward to using this PJLA Blog to help engage with our customers – old, new, and future!

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