• October 29, 2025

3 key steps your lab needs to implement now.

Staying compliant and efficient in today’s fast-moving testing and accreditation environment requires more than just maintaining your documentation. Laboratories that thrive are those that embed quality into every process and continuously improve. Whether your lab is preparing for an upcoming NATA assessment or simply wants to strengthen its quality management system, here are three critical steps to take right now. 

Step 1: Strengthen your internal audit programme

An effective internal audit isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s your most powerful improvement tool. 

• Review your current audit schedule and ensure all key activities, equipment, and quality processes are covered. 
• Focus audits on risk areas and recent changes – such as new methods, staff turnover, or equipment updates. 
• Train your auditors to ask “why” – the goal is not just to find non-conformances but to understand root causes and prevent recurrence. 

Tip: Use recent assessment feedback or complaints as input for your next audit plan. 

Step 2: Revisit risk & opportunity management

ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189 place strong emphasis on risk-based thinking. Many labs still treat this as a one-off document instead of a living process. 

• Identify the top five risks affecting your lab’s objectives (e.g., staff competency, supplier reliability, data integrity). 
• Document how you’re monitoring and mitigating each risk – and how you’re using data to track trends. 
• Don’t forget to consider opportunities as well  – such as areas where smarter processes, automation, or training could improve efficiency. 

Tip: A quick team brainstorming session every quarter can help refresh your risk register and keep everyone engaged. 

Step 3: Invest in staff competency & engagement

Your people are your biggest asset and often the deciding factor in audit outcomes. 

• Ensure all training records are up to date and linked to competency requirements in each role. 
• Introduce peer review or mentoring to strengthen practical skills and consistency across shifts. 
• Encourage staff to provide feedback on procedures – they often see improvement opportunities first. 

Tip: Recognising staff who contribute to quality improvements helps build a strong culture of ownership. 

Final thought… 

Quality isn’t a project – it’s a mindset. By tightening your internal audits, actively managing risk and opportunity, and empowering your team, your lab can move from reactive compliance to proactive excellence.