Implementing a Quality Management System in the Laboratory of CIRA / UNAN

Abstract

The Nicaraguan Research Center for Aquatic Resources of Nicaragua (CIRA/UNAN), since its foundation has had the vision to become a national and regional leader in research. Currently, globalization demands that testing laboratories demonstrate technical capacity, usually achieved through the establishment of quality management system, which improves continually the operational capacity and the technical competence of the laboratory. In this context, it was necessary to establish and implement a quality management system at CIRA/ UNAN, to ensure its technical competence, using the international norm, ISO/IEC 17025:2005 or its national equivalent the NTN 04 001 05, which is the international mechanism accepted for demonstrating laboratory technical competence. The management quality system in CIRA/UNAN laboratories was developed in four key stages: A diagnostic of the situation in the center, establishment of the Quality Management System, and its implementation and maintenance. To achieve success in this process, it was necessary to promote the involvement and ownership of the system of quality management by each organization´s member, as well as the commitment and support from the Center´s direction. During the establishing of the quality management system, it was necessary to adjust the center´s operational structure to the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 requirements, taking in account this consideration: The management system should facilitate the operation of the Center. One aspect of the utmost importance to achieve and maintain the success in this process has been the continuing improvement of the quality management system. So now CIRA/UNAN has a comprehensive and sound quality management system that governs all administrative and technical operations associated with the generation of results, projects, reports and interpretations. CIRA/UNAN has achieved the accreditation of nine microbiological tests, which situates the center as one of the most prestigious research centers at national level.

Key words: Quality; Accreditation; ISO 17025; laboratories; CIRA / UNAN

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/uyc.v5i8.310

Universidad y Ciencia No 8 Año 5 2010 2-7