White Paper: Think About It – S02

Traceability ≠ Accreditation

Traceability in healthcare, laboratories, and technical organizations is often viewed as proof of reliable measurement. However, traceability alone does not guarantee accurate or compliant results. Traceability simply confirms that a measurement is linked through documented calibration to recognized standards. It identifies the source of the measurement but does not confirm that the calibration was performed correctly.

This paper explains the difference between traceability and accreditation under International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission 17025. While traceability ensures connection to national or international standards, accreditation verifies laboratory competence, validated methods, controlled conditions, proper evaluation of measurement uncertainty, and impartiality.

Download the full paper to learn how accredited calibration strengthens regulatory compliance and measurement confidence.