Metrology Glossary: American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)

What Is The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)?

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is a distinguished non-profit organization that holds worldwide recognition for its role in assessing and accrediting a broad spectrum of laboratories and other organizations engaged in testing, calibration, and more. A2LA’s accreditation process adheres to rigorous international standards, notably including ISO/IEC 17025. This accreditation framework ensures that accredited organizations are well-equipped with the necessary technical expertise and robust quality management systems to consistently produce dependable, accurate, and credible results. By upholding these high standards, A2LA plays a vital role in fostering trust and reliability in the work of laboratories and conformity assessment bodies across the globe.

Why Is The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Important?

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is responsible for accrediting different types of laboratories including:

Calibration Laboratories: These facilities play a critical role in maintaining precision by offering calibration services for a diverse range of measuring instruments and equipment. A2LA accreditation stands as a testament to the capabilities of these laboratories, ensuring their proficiency in meticulously verifying and fine-tuning the accuracy of instruments. This accreditation is a safeguard for the reliability of measurements across various industries. For instance, A2LA ensures calibration laboratories specializing in the precise measurement of temperature, pressure, and electrical parameters.
Testing Laboratories: Specializing in the thorough analysis and evaluation of equipment or materials, testing laboratories are dedicated to determining their composition, quality, or performance. A2LA accreditation is a mark of assurance that these laboratories adhere to the highest standards in terms of accuracy and precision.