In a sector as regulated as the medical device industry, the reliability of test results is an indispensable requirement. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation has become the international standard that guarantees the technical competence of laboratories and the validity of their measurements, two essential aspects to comply with the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) and obtain CE marking.
This article explains what this accreditation entails, why it is so relevant in the field of biomechanics applied to medical devices, and how to choose a laboratory with this quality guarantee.
What is UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
The UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard establishes the general requirements that a testing or calibration laboratory must meet to demonstrate its technical competence, the impartiality of its processes and the reliability of its results.
Unlike other quality management certifications (such as ISO 9001), this standard focuses on the technical aspects that directly affect the validity of tests. It includes criteria on:
- Calibration and traceability of measurement equipment.
- Competence of technical personnel.
- Validation of test methods and calibration.
- Laboratory environmental control.
- Continuous quality assurance of results through audits and interlaboratory comparisons.
In Spain, the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC) is responsible for granting this accreditation, guaranteeing the technical competence of accredited laboratories, according to the international standard ISO 17025.
Importance of UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 in medical device testing.
In the context of MDR 2017/745, medical device manufacturers must demonstrate with objective evidence that their products comply with safety, efficacy and performance requirements. This is only possible through tests performed in technically competent laboratories.
Guarantee of technically valid results
A laboratory accredited under UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates that its procedures are reproducible, traceable, auditable and technically correct. For a manufacturer, this means that the data obtained can be submitted to notified bodies and regulatory authorities without the need to repeat tests.
International recognition
UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is recognized in more than 90 countries through multilateral ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) agreements. Tests performed by a laboratory accredited in Spain are automatically accepted in other markets, facilitating entry into the European Union and non-EU countries.
3. Compliance with MDR and CE Certifications
The MDR requires that preclinical and performance evaluations be performed under controlled conditions, with validated and traceable methods. UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation implies having rigorously tested the medical device.
Application examples in the medical sector
ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories perform biomechanical and mechanical testing on a wide range of devices, including:
- Dental implants: Fatigue tests according to UNE-EN ISO 14801.
- Bone plates and osteosynthesis systems: Four-point bending tests under ISO 9585 and ASTM F382.
- Hip prosthesis: Fatigue strength evaluations according to ISO 7206-4.
If you want to know how these standards are applied in the IBV laboratory, please visit our section of accredited mechanical testing for medical devices.
Benefits for manufacturers and quality managers
Adopting an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory is not only a matter of regulatory compliance, but a strategic decision that impacts the entire value chain:
- Increased regulatory confidence: reports are recognized by notified bodies and competent authorities.
- Reduction of costs and certification times, avoiding the repetition of tests.
- Optimization of product design, thanks to more accurate data and technical recommendations from the laboratory.
- More agile access to the European and international market, with results validated by an accredited entity.
- Guarantee for the end customer: safer, more reliable products that comply with current legislation.
How to know if a laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited
Before hiring a trial, it is advisable to verify:
- That the laboratory is listed in ENAC’s public directory (https://www.enac.es/).
- That the scope of accreditation includes the type of test required (fatigue, flexure, compression, etc.) and the test standard under which it is accredited.
- That the results report bears the ENAC accreditation symbol, which certifies its legal validity.
A laboratory can be ISO 9001 certified without being technically accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. Therefore, it is the specific accreditation that makes the difference between a test provider and a reference laboratory.
Med-Lab IBV’s commitment to quality and traceability
At Med-Lab IBV, accredited under ISO/IEC 17025, we perform mechanical and biomechanical tests that guarantee the safety and reliability of medical devices according to ISO and ASTM standards.
In addition, we provide added value: we interpret the results, analyze their impact on product design and guide our customers towards technical and regulatory optimization.
Our experience positions us as the reference laboratory in Spain for manufacturers seeking to validate their products with scientific, technical and regulatory criteria of the highest level.
Accreditation that makes the difference
In a regulated and competitive environment, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is synonymous with confidence, rigor and technical excellence.
Choosing an accredited laboratory not only ensures regulatory compliance, but also a tangible competitive advantage: recognized results, streamlined processes and validated products with an international guarantee.
Contact Med-Lab IBV to evaluate your testing needs and find out how our accredited services can help you ensure the safety and compliance of your medical devices.
