Testing laboratory STS
A testing laboratory assesses products, materials and samples objectively. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 ensures competence, reliable results and international comparability – creating trust, quality and safety.
A testing laboratory is a technically competent, impartial body that tests products, materials or samples to objectively determine and assess their properties. The global standard for laboratory accreditation is ISO/IEC 17025, which sets clear requirements for competence, reliability and consistent working practices.
Accreditation is evidence of the technical competence of a testing laboratory and confirms that it is capable of delivering correct and accurate test results. To this end, the testing laboratory meets the standard's requirements in areas such as qualified staff, appropriate and correctly calibrated equipment, validated testing methods, controlled environmental conditions, and clear procedures for sampling, recordkeeping and reporting. Through conformity assessments, the testing laboratory plays a central role in determining whether products, materials and samples meet defined technical, statutory or contractual requirements.
Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 builds trust, reduces risks and facilitates the worldwide acceptance and comparability of test results through international mutual recognition agreements, providing the foundation for quality, safety and fair trade.
General documents for testing laboratories
Medical laboratories
Important (see below): Change for medical laboratories with STS accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025
Scope of testing laboratories
Proficiency Testing
Biology
Chemistry
Electrical engineering
SAS-Document 335
Empfehlung des Sektorkomitees Elektrotechnik über die Qualitätskontrollen der Prüfverfahren mit ILC / PT oder anderen Methoden im Fachbereich elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMV), nichtionisierende Strahlung (NISV) sowie elektrische Sicherheit (elSi) und Umweltsimulation (USim) (available in German only)
SAS-Document 337
Geltungsbereich, Produktnormen und Prüfberichte im Bereich Elektrotechnik (available in German only)
Changes for medical laboratories currently accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
Accreditation of medical laboratories is now only carried out in accordance with the ISO 15189 standard
Under EA Resolution 2022 (52) of 23 November 2022, all medical laboratories must be accredited to ISO 15189 in future.
The transition period for medical laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Swiss Testing Service STS) to switch to the new standard ISO 15189:2022 (Swiss Medical Testing Service SMTS) is set at five years from the date of publication of the above-mentioned resolution. Consequently, the final date of validity of the current standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for the accreditation of medical laboratories is 23 November 2027.
The only exceptions:
Where national regulations require a medical laboratory to be accredited in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, this is accepted by the EA, the European umbrella organisation for national accreditation bodies. Furthermore, the ISO 15189:2022 standard cannot be applied to activities that are not directly patient-related. In such cases, the ISO/IEC 17025 standard remains the basis for accreditation.
In accordance with the above-mentioned resolutions of the EA General Assembly, SAS sets out below the details regarding the transition of medical laboratories, which were previously accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, to ISO 15189:2022.
Index
Key areas of application for this accreditation
Construction
Construction – encompassing the planning, execution and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure – is fundamental to the economy and society.
Electricity and telecommunications
The electricity and telecommunications scope underpins energy supply and digital connectivity.
Forensic sciences
Forensic sciences provide crucial evidence for investigations and court proceedings.
Medicine and health
The medicine and health scope safeguards the quality of life of humans and animals.
Food and agriculture
The food and agriculture scope ensures that the public has access to safe, high-quality and sustainably produced products.
Metrology and measurement technology
The metrology and measurement technology scope ensures the accuracy and traceability of measurements.
Technical safety and occupational safety
The technical safety and occupational safety scope ensures that products, installations and working environments function reliably.
Mobility and transport
The mobility and transport scope ensures the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods.
Environment, climate and sustainability
The environment, climate and sustainability scope protects people, nature and resources, monitors emissions and assesses environmental risks.
Contact
Swiss Accreditation Service SAS
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern