Knowledge Base
Laboratory Audit Best Practices
Industry-proven methods for maintaining compliance, improving traceability, and staying audit-ready under NATA, NABL, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17020, and AS 9100.
Foundation
Getting Started
Internal Audit Planning Essentials
Structure and scope your internal audit effectively for testing or calibration labs.
Key Steps
- 1Define audit objectives and scope (Clause 8.8.1)
- 2Identify key process owners
- 3Schedule audits across departments
- 4Prepare checklist and evidence templates
Risk & Opportunity Assessment
Identify risks and improvement opportunities as required under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 8.5.
Key Steps
- 1Identify potential risks and nonconformities
- 2Assess likelihood and impact
- 3Define mitigation or improvement actions
- 4Record and monitor outcomes
Compliance Fundamentals
Align your lab's daily operations with ISO/IEC 17025, NATA, NABL, and related accreditation requirements.
Key Steps
- 1Review applicable standards and scope of accreditation
- 2Map processes to clauses (management & technical)
- 3Maintain calibration and traceability records
- 4Review documentation during management review
Deep Dive
Advanced Techniques
Automated Calibration & Record Control
Reduce manual errors and ensure traceable records through calibration automation in OMS.
Key Steps
- 1Configure calibration schedules and alerts
- 2Map instruments to measurement standards
- 3Automate certificate generation with ULR + QR
- 4Maintain 10-year traceability logs
Proficiency Testing & Interlaboratory Comparisons
Ensure confidence in measurement results through PT/ILC participation and evaluation.
Key Steps
- 1Select suitable PT providers
- 2Review test samples and parameters
- 3Analyse deviation reports
- 4Implement corrective actions
Nonconformance & Corrective Action Management
Develop a robust NC/CAPA system to identify, record, and close findings effectively.
Key Steps
- 1Log nonconformities with reference to clauses
- 2Assign responsibility and due dates
- 3Verify implementation effectiveness
- 4Review during internal audits
By Industry
Industry-Specific Practices
Manufacturing & NDT Labs
Best practices for mechanical, NDT, and dimensional testing environments.
Key Steps
- 1Define calibration intervals for gauges and fixtures
- 2Maintain job traceability from request to report
- 3Validate test results using control samples
Thermal & Electrical Calibration Labs
Practical guidance on calibration accuracy, uncertainty budgets, and record validation.
Key Steps
- 1Control measurement environments
- 2Manage master instruments and calibration records
- 3Document traceability to national standards
Environmental & Chemical Testing Labs
Guidelines for maintaining test integrity and compliance with regulatory norms.
Key Steps
- 1Define sampling and preservation methods
- 2Record equipment calibration and reagent traceability
- 3Review test reports for compliance and completeness
OMS Software
Automate These Practices
Every best practice on this page maps to a specific OMS module — built for accredited labs from the ground up.
Platform Core
Put These Practices into Action
OMS Software automates your audit workflows, tracks CAPA, and keeps documentation current — so your lab stays assessment-ready year-round.