Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)
(ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation)
The Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP), is specifically for labs identifying microorganisms commonly detected in air, fluids, and bulk samples during indoor air quality studies.
The EMLAP is designed specifically for laboratories involved in analyzing microbiological samples to evaluate exposures in a variety of workplaces. Participation assists the laboratory in maintaining high quality standards.
Why participate in EMLAP?
When a laboratory is accredited by AIHA, the laboratory and its clients have the assurance that the laboratory has met defined standards for performance based on examination of a variety of criteria. When a laboratory is accredited by AIHA, it becomes part of an elite group of laboratories achieving and maintaining a high level of professional performance.
Who should participate in the program?
The program is specifically designed for microbiology laboratories specializing in analysis for microorganisms commonly detected in air, fluids, and bulk samples collected from schools, offices, hospitals, industrial, agricultural and other work environments. Since results of these analyses are used to determine the magnitude or presence of a problem in the workplace environment, it is vital that the laboratory analyzing the samples be proficient in producing high quality data on which important health decisions will be based. Accreditation from AIHA is a mark of that capability. Participation in the EMPAT is required.
What are the criteria for accreditation?
The main program requirement areas are:
1) Personnel Qualifications
The laboratory shall be under the overall direction of a qualified person. The Technical Manager must be located onsite. His or her principal responsibilities are the function and administration, and the day-to-day operation of the laboratory he/she is directing. The Technical Manager must have an earned life science degree, minimally at the baccalaureate level with a required number of semester hours in microbiology and a minimum of two (2) years of documented environmental microbiological work experience (bacteriology and/or mycology).
The laboratory must have a quality control coordinator who has a relevant baccalaureate degree, be knowledgeable in QA/QC functions, and have experience with microbiological QA/QC.
All laboratory analysts and technicians must be qualified by education and/or experience to produce reliable analytical results.
2) Participation in EMPAT Program
Before a laboratory enters EMLAP, it is required to participate in the AIHA Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT). Laboratories must achieve and maintain a proficient rating in EMPAT.
3) Facilities
A laboratory must have adequate space, facilities, and equipment for the services provided.
4) Quality Assurance
Routine quality control procedures must be an integral part of a laboratory's procedures and functions. A quality assurance plan (a working document itemizing the day to day implementation of the laboratory's quality assurance and quality control procedures) will be evaluated.
5) Laboratory Records
The laboratory must maintain proper and adequate records and files. A sample numbering and tracking system, analytical data, analytical results, report format, records of analytical data, and reporting of the quality control data will be evaluated.
6) Methods of Analysis
There must be a record that methods are annually reviewed and changes are made as necessary
7) SOPs
The laboratory shall have written SOPs for the collection, transport, processing, analysis and retention of samples, and disposal of environmental microbial samples as well as SOPs for housekeeping and related practices. Methods are to be reviewed annually by the Technical Manager.
8) Site Visits
Site visits of laboratories are conducted by trained, experienced assessors acting on behalf of AIHA. These visits will generally take place once every two years, unless additional site visits are deemed necessary.
For more information on the EMLAP Program, contact the Laboratory Accreditation Department at AIHA; (703) 849-8888