After a thorough assessment and review of its quality management system and competence to develop and administer specific proficiency testing protocols, AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) Programs was granted ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). ISO/IEC 17043:2010, , specifies general requirements for the competence of providers of proficiency testing schemes and for the development and operation of proficiency testing schemes.

The achievement of A2LA accreditation demonstrates AIHA PAT Programs’ competence to manage and perform the activities defined by its A2LA Scope of Accreditation (see Certificate #3300.01, ). These activities include proficiency testing programs in the areas of industrial hygiene (IHPAT), environmental lead (ELPAT), bulk asbestos (BAPAT), beryllium (BePAT), and both culture and direct examination of environmental microbiology (EMPAT). AIHA PAT Programs’ certificate is valid through April 2021.

“We have operated high quality proficiency analytical testing programs for many years,” said Angela Oler, AIHA PAT Programs’ Director of Operations. “We are thrilled to have achieved accreditation for all the PAT programs. We knew we had strong, stable, and reliable programs, and now we have the third-party acknowledgement of our continued quality and commitment to continuous improvement.”

A2LA’s Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditation Program is designed for proficiency testing (PT) providers who wish to demonstrate their competence by formal compliance with a set of internationally acceptable requirements for the planning and implementation of PT programs. More information about this A2LA accreditation program is available on the organization’s .

Read the latest news from AIHA PAT Programs . For more information on AIHA PAT Programs, contact Angela Oler via or call (703) 846-0765.