What is the difference between ISO 17025 and Good Laboratory Practice?

In the field of laboratory testing and calibration, two important quality standards are often mentioned: ISO 17025 and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). While both are essential for ensuring accurate and reliable results, they have distinct differences in their scope, requirements, and objectives.

The Scope and Application

ISO 17025, titled "General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories," provides a globally recognized framework for laboratories to demonstrate their competence in producing valid results. It applies to all types of laboratories, including those in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, and more.

On the other hand, GLP refers to a set of principles and guidelines that focus specifically on non-clinical studies conducted for safety assessment or regulation purposes. These studies evaluate the potential effects of chemicals and substances on human health and the environment, and GLP compliance is often required by regulatory authorities before product registration or approval.

The Requirements and Criteria

ISO 17025 sets forth specific requirements that laboratories must meet to demonstrate their technical competence. These include having qualified personnel, validated test methods, proper documentation, calibrated equipment, and a quality management system. Compliance with ISO 17025 leads to accreditation, which signifies that the laboratory meets international standards and produces reliable results.

In contrast, GLP focuses on the conduct of studies rather than the technical competence of the laboratory itself. GLP emphasizes factors such as study design, protocol adherence, accurate record-keeping, data integrity, and the proper handling and storage of test substances. Compliance with GLP ensures the reliability and traceability of study data, allowing for transparent and reproducible research.

The Objectives and Benefits

ISO 17025 aims to enhance customer confidence in the laboratory's testing or calibration services by ensuring accuracy, impartiality, and consistency. Accreditation to ISO 17025 provides a competitive advantage for laboratories in the market and facilitates acceptance of test results across borders.

GLP, in contrast, primarily serves regulatory purposes, as it focuses on ensuring the quality and reliability of safety studies conducted during product development. Compliance with GLP allows for the acceptance of study data by regulatory authorities, facilitating product registration, and approval.

In summary, ISO 17025 and GLP are both crucial standards in their respective domains. While ISO 17025 emphasizes the technical competence of laboratories and the validity of results, GLP ensures the reliability and integrity of non-clinical safety studies. Laboratories need to understand the specific requirements and determine which standard(s) are relevant to their operations to meet the needs of their clients and regulatory obligations.