Eurachem/CITAC: fourth edition of the Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017
On 6 February 2026 Eurachem published the fourth edition of the Eurachem/CITAC Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry: An Aid to Accreditation. It replaces the 2016 edition, written for ISO/IEC 17025:2005, and reflects the changes introduced in the 2017 version of the standard, including the risk-oriented approach.
- The guide covers the technical aspects of laboratory quality management, particularly where ISO/IEC 17025 requirements need interpretation for chemical testing: from risks and opportunities, personnel, environment and equipment qualification through sampling, method validation and verification, metrological traceability, calibration and measurement uncertainty to decision rules and statements of conformity, quality control, proficiency testing, computer systems, data handling and audit and review.
- The annexes list areas of particular importance when auditing a chemistry laboratory and summarise calibration and performance checks for measuring instruments.
- According to the foreword, the guide is also useful for organisations working to ISO 15189, ISO 9001 or the principles of Good Laboratory Practice, and for disciplines other than chemistry; Eurachem publishes a separate guide for microbiological laboratories (3rd edition, 2023).
- The editors are Vicki Barwick (LGC) and Kyriacos Tsimillis; the Eurachem Education and Training Working Group includes Prof. Ewa Bulska of the University of Warsaw. The guide is freely available on the Eurachem website (ISBN 978-0-948926-40-2).
Source: Eurachem — Fourth edition of our Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry (06.02.2026)