Accuracy, reliability, and standard compliance are paramount to effective materials testing. Accreditation by respected government and independent organizations is the most important requisite of a third-party testing laboratory partner.
Whether you're developing new flooring products or ensuring that existing ones meet regulatory requirements, PJLA and NVLAP accredited laboratories offer the most trustworthy assurance of quality and compliance with industry standards such as ISO, ANSI, or ASTM test methods. Businesses seeking precise and trustworthy testing results should always utilize labs that hold these critical accreditations.
Who Earns PJLA and NVLAP Accreditations?
PJLA Testing & Calibration Accreditation
Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) is a private organization, offering third-party accreditation services for testing and calibration laboratories that meet stringent criteria. The PJLA accreditation process involves rigorous assessments to ensure that labs comply with leading international standards.
PJLA accredited labs have demonstrated an absolute commitment to meeting and exceeding the requirements and expectations of their clients in terms of the quality of the testing services provided.
NVLAP Accreditation
The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) is an ongoing program of the U.S. Government administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Similar to PJLA, NVLAP accreditation signifies that a laboratory meets the highest technical requirements and operates within a quality management system that ensures reliable results. The basis for the NVLAP accreditation of testing laboratories is compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Laboratories that comply fully and are found competent to carry out specific tests are formally accredited for those tests.
Both PJLA and NVLAP accreditations are hallmarks of a laboratory's commitment to maintaining stringent standards of testing procedures, technical expertise, and management practices. Professional Testing Laboratory maintains PJLA testing accreditation (#93341), and we’re also accredited for testing carpet and carpet cushions through NVLAP (NVLAP Lab Code – 100297-0).
The Traits Exemplified By PJLA & NVLAP Accredited Labs
Your choice of a testing lab with PJLA and NVLAP accreditations assures you of several non-negotiable qualities in a lab partner:
- Assurance of Expertise: Accredited labs demonstrate that they have the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform tests accurately. This expertise is crucial for obtaining reliable data that can be trusted to make informed decisions.
- Conformity to Accepted Procedures: Accredited labs adhere to internationally recognized testing methods and protocols, ensuring that test results are consistent and reproducible.
- Industry Compliance: Many industries require that testing be conducted by accredited labs to meet regulatory and quality standards. Using accredited labs ensures that test results are accepted by industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and clients.
- Value and Credibility: Results from accredited labs carry more weight and credibility, providing confidence in the data used for product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
3 Advantages of External Accredited Labs vs. In-House Testing Labs
While some companies may consider setting up an in-house testing lab, partnering with an external accredited lab offers significant advantages:
1. Resource Efficiency
Achieving and maintaining accreditations like PJLA and NVLAP requires substantial time, effort, and resources. By outsourcing testing to an accredited lab, companies can focus on their core competencies without the burden of maintaining compliance and technical expertise in testing.
2. Depth of Expertise
External labs have dedicated teams with extensive experience and knowledge in a wide range of tests. This specialization allows for more accurate and insightful analysis.
3. Access to Advanced Equipment
Accredited labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, providing access to the latest testing methodologies without the need for significant capital investment.
Maintaining accreditations can be both expensive and time-consuming. The substantial effort and resource demands that the process places on an in-house lab may be better devoted to other product development activities. For these reasons, selecting an external expert specialized in testing can offer both operational relief and peace of mind.
Partner with Professional Testing Laboratory
At Professional Testing Laboratory, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner and a longstanding PJLA and NVLAP accredited laboratory. With over 30 years of experience and expertise in conducting over 2,000 tests across all flooring types, we ensure that your products meet the highest industry standards.
Choosing the right testing partner can make all the difference in ensuring product quality and compliance. Contact us today to request a quote and learn how our services can support your testing needs. With our commitment to excellence and accreditation, you can trust that your testing results are in good hands.
