5. Manage the assessment and its assessors to build confidence

5.1 Preparation

Assessing a laboratory for accreditation is a stressful time. It is difficult for both the laboratory being assessed and the assessors to complete a full assessment in just a few hours, so everyone needs to be efficient and prepared.

The assessment is programmed in advance with an established schedule. It is essential for the laboratory to provide a contact person for each assessor, while at the same time maintaining a level of activity in the laboratory that enables technical practice to be assessed.

Similarly, it's a good idea to have access to quality documentation and records nearby. It's difficult for everyone to keep running around looking for a document.

Finally, about two weeks before...