Most labs treat internal audits as a compliance checkbox.
Top-performing labs treat them as a risk management tool.
Clause 8.7 of ISO/IEC 17025 requires planned internal audits at defined intervals to verify that the laboratory’s management system and operations continue to meet requirements. “Planned” is key — it’s not reactive.
So, competent auditors and external assessors usually examine?
1. Technical Records.
Raw data, instrument outputs, calculation worksheets. Are they complete, traceable, and unaltered?
2. Equipment & Calibration.
Are intervals defined, documented, and followed? Are out-of-tolerance instruments properly documented and quarantined?
3. Personnel Competence.
Is there evidence of training, qualifications, and current authorisation for critical tasks?
4. Nonconformity Management.
Are NCs raised, root cause investigated, and corrective actions verified for effectiveness?
5. Method Currency.
Are procedures current? Are any unauthorised deviations happening?
6. Subcontracting.
If work is subcontracted, is the provider’s competence verified and documented?
Important note: Internal audits should produce findings.
A “perfect” audit history with zero NCs isn’t a win. To external assessors, it’s a risk signal. It usually means the audit was superficial.
At Orelysis, we help laboratories move from checkbox audits to audits that actually reduce risk and prepare for assessment.
For technical
questions or further discussions on geoscience applications, Orelysis’ expert team at Orelysis.com is available for consultation.
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