The American Industrial Hygiene Association Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs (AIHA PAT) is pleased to announce that they have been granted ISO/IEC 17043:2010 accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), after a thorough assessment and review of its quality management system and competence to develop and administer specific proficiency testing protocols.

This achievement of A2LA accreditation demonstrates an organization's competence to manage and perform the activities defined by its A2LA Scope of Accreditation 3300.01.  These activities include Beryllium Proficiency Analytical Testing (BePAT), Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing (BAPAT), Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT), Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing (EMPAT), and Industrial Hygiene Proficiency Analytical Testing (IHPAT).

AIHA PAT Programs cover the analysis of asbestos and man-made fibers; bulk asbestos; beryllium acetate and oxide; free silica; metals; organic solvents on sorbent tubes or diffusive samplers; lead on dust wipes, paint, soil and filters; and, the identification of bacteria and fungi or fungal spore images.

"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 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."

About AIHA PAT®

AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs were created to meet the growing needs of laboratories specializing in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental analysis. AIHA PAT Programs offer renowned proficiency testing to serve those laboratories. AIHA PAT Programs also provide participants an opportunity to improve and refine the analytical skills of their staff, test new methods, or train analysts. 

About A2LA

A2LA is the largest U.S.-based, multi-discipline accreditation body with over 35 years of experience providing internationally recognized accreditation services and quality training.  A2LA's world-class accreditation services encompass testing and calibration laboratories, medical testing laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, reference material producers and product certification bodies.  Organizations are accredited to international standards and field-specific requirements developed with government and industry collaboration.  A2LA also offers a wide variety of both public and private on-site training programs to complement the various accreditation programs.