Establishing a quality management system in a university-based analytical laboratory

Analytical laboratory organization is a complex task. Equally as complex is the establishment of a quality management system (QMS) that functions consistently and efficiently. The objectives of this research are to develop the quality manual for the Iowa State University Grain Quality Laboratory (ISU-GQL) to apply for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and to provide a structure for university-based analytical laboratories to establish quality management systems. Important considerations for implementing a QMS include writing and implementing laboratory procedures, standardizing job descriptions, creating a quality manual, and generating working control charts. Typical word processing and spreadsheet software along with custom program routines were utilized to simplify the ISU-GQL quality management system for technicians and managers because of the more continuous turnover and generally less structured practice of the university researcher. Special attention was paid to the initial and continuing training of technicians and support staff. The conclusions reached from this research include that a quality management system must originate and be endorsed by management to succeed; considerable time and energy must be expended by dedicated personnel to establish and maintain an effective quality management system; and that a quality management system which is well-organized and composed initially can experience great success