| News Items Use of E-mail for NVLAP Communications Dosimetry LAP News NIWS 4.0 Released! Fall 2009 Issue of NVLAP News Available NVLAP Signs IAAC MLA New APLAC Document on Uncertainty of Measurement Accreditation vs. Certification
 Use of E-Mail for NVLAP Communications
On January 20, 2010, NVLAP released a new Policy Guide to NVLAP-enrolled laboratories and assessors. The purpose of Policy Guide PG-5-2010 is to establish e-mail as a recognized communications medium for sending NVLAP information to laboratories, assessors, and other stakeholders. NVLAP will use e-mail in lieu of paper for communications, where possible. Since e-mail is a timelier and less expensive means of communication than traditional paper communication, it is expected that implementation of this policy will result in reduced costs and improved efficiency of information exchange. The scope of this policy includes official NVLAP notices (NVLAP Policy Guides, NVLAP Lab Bulletins, and Assessor Bulletins) and other communications that can be accomplished effectively via this means.
For the complete text of Policy Guide PG-5-2010, please click here.
Posted January 29, 2010
Dosimetry LAP News Change in collection of proficiency testing fees Beginning April 2010, all NVLAP-accredited dosimetry laboratories will have to contract directly with Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) for NVLAP dosimetry proficiency testing (PT). NVLAP will no longer collect PT fees. NVLAP-accredited dosimetry laboratories will pay the PT fees directly to PNNL. PNNL will continue to provide to NVLAP copies of each laboratorys testing results. NVLAP-accredited laboratories will continue to follow their established proficiency testing schedule based on testing every two years with PNNL. The laboratories will continue to provide NVLAP with a copy of the PT registration form with appropriate dosimeters and categories noted. PNNL will continue to send PT reports to NVLAP, and NVLAP will continue to review the PT reports and make appropriate changes to a laboratorys scope of accreditation. Revised ANSI N13.11 and ANSI N13.32 NVLAP-accredited dosimetry laboratories are required to begin testing in January 2010 against the revised standards, ANSI N13.11-2009, American National Standard for Dosimetry Personnel Dosimetry Performance Criteria for Testing; and ANSI N13.32-2008, Performance Testing of Extremity Dosimeters. ANSI N13.11 is used for whole body dosimeters and electronic personnel dosimeters (EPDs). ANSI N13.32 is used for extremity dosimeters. ALL laboratories are required to have satisfactorily tested against ANSI N13.11-2009 by the end of 4th quarter 2011. In January 2012, after NVLAP receives the PT results, the scope of accreditation for each laboratory will only list the dosimeters and categories passed from ANSI N13.11-2009 and ANSI N13.32-2008. Prior to January 2012, as each NVLAP-accredited dosimetry laboratory passes proficiency testing against the revised standards, the laboratorys scope of accreditation will be revised accordingly. Posted January 14, 2010
NIWS 4.0 Released! NVLAP is pleased to announce the newest release of the NVLAP Interactive Web Site (NIWS) - release 4.0. New or enhanced system features in this release include the addition of 7 more fields of accreditation, making the NIWS available to laboratories enrolled in 14 fields of accreditation. A short survey to collect customer feedback has also been added. The link to the survey will be included in the confirmation e-mail message you will receive at the conclusion of your application session. We would appreciate your taking a few minutes to provide your evaluation of how well the NIWS is meeting your needs. Your comments will provide valuable information for the identification, prioritization, and design of future NIWS changes. To get started, go to: http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/Accreditation/NVLAP-NIWS.cfm Remember if a laboratory submits its application for accreditation through the NIWS, it will not have to mail a paper application to NVLAP. Supporting documents, such as quality manuals, may be securely uploaded through this web-based system. For more information, contact NIWSHELP@nist.gov. Posted December 23, 2009
 Fall 2009 Issue of NVLAP News Available
The Fall 2009 issue of NVLAP News is now available on our web site. Click here to read the latest news. This newsletter is e-mailed to laboratories enrolled in the NVLAP program and to NVLAP assessors and technical experts. For back issues of NVLAP News, please visit our Publications page. Posted November 4, 2009
NVLAP Signs IAAC MLA The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) has been accepted as a signatory to the Inter American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). At a signing ceremony held on September 4, 2009 at the IAAC 14th General Assembly in San Jose, Costa Rica, NVLAP was recognized as an MLA member with a scope in testing and calibration laboratories. The IAAC is an association of accreditation bodies and other organizations interested in conformity assessment in the Americas. Accreditation bodies that are signatories to the IAAC MLA agree to recognize the accreditations issued by each other. Such a system of mutual recognition of accreditations is based upon the proper operation of the accreditation systems of the bodies that join the arrangement. By reducing the need for multiple assessments, the MLA facilitates international trade by encouraging regional and worldwide acceptance of test and calibration results issued by its signatory accreditation bodies. Representing NVLAP at the 2009 IAAC meetings were Sally Bruce, Chief of NVLAP; Barbara Belzer, NVLAP Calibration Laboratories Program Manager; and Ileana Martinez, Global Standards and Information Group, NIST, who also serves as an International Affairs Specialist for NVLAP. Posted September 22, 2009
New APLAC Document on Uncertainty of Measurement The Technical Committee of the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) has issued a new document, APLAC TC 010, as part of its TC Series to provide guidance to members and other organizations on specific technical issues related to accreditation. APLAC TC 010, issued February 2009, is entitled, General Information on Uncertainty of Measurement: For those relying on test results to make informed decisions and judgments. The document is intended to be a brief explanation of uncertainty of measurement "for the lay person." Accredited laboratories will be able to give this document to their clients to assist with their understanding of this subject. NVLAP program management believes that the information in this document is useful to share with our assessors and laboratories. Posted May 4, 2009
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