Chemical Testing Laboratories Key Terms

Learn the language of chemical testing laboratories and make smarter business choices

By Howard Robertson

Chemical testing laboratories are increasingly used by various industries for testing purposes. Chemical testing laboratories provide various services like food testing, air analysis, nanoscale analysis and bio-analytical testing.

While using the services of a chemical testing laboratory for your application, you will come across various technical terms that state specifications and standards for these specific types of laboratories. This guide will explain the various key terms related to chemical testing laboratories, such as ISO standards, LIMS, calibration, quality assurance and RoHS.

ISO standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) offers standards for various processes and products. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 states the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. ISO 78-2:1999 outlines the standards for chemical analysis.
Try: To learn more about these standards, read through the scope of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 78-2:1999 at ISO’s Web site.

UKAS: LAB 27

LAB 27 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is specifically for the accreditation of chemical laboratories.
Try: The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (PDF) provides detailed information about LAB 27.

LIMS (Laboratory information management system)

A LIMS is a way of managing various laboratory activities using a computer. LIMS can perform various functions, including sample registration and tracking, processing captured data, quality control and report generation.
Try: You can learn more about LIMS at UMSL (The University of Missouri-St. Louis).

Calibration

For precise and exact results from the chemical testing equipment, you will need to calibrate it periodically. Calibration assures the accuracy of test results.
Try: Laboratory Equipment, a magazine for laboratory equipment suppliers, offers detailed information about calibration.

Quality assurance

In a chemical testing laboratory, quality assurance highlights the need to monitor accuracy of measurements and analytical results. It also ensures that the necessary principles (as per the applications) have been followed.
Try: The National Association of Testing Authorities (PDF) (NATA) provides detailed information about quality assurance and its importance in chemical testing laboratories.

Mil Spec

The Mil Spec standardization is used to achieve the objectives set by the U.S. Department of Defense for various products or processes used for military applications.
Try: Learn more about Mil Spec at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive)

The RoHS directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacturing of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. Generally, producers of such equipment use laboratory services to check RoHS compliance of their products.
Try: To learn more about the RoHS directive, browse through the RoHS Web site.