This training course provides an in-depth understanding of the application of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements in microbiological laboratories, with specific reference to ISO 7218 as the core technical standard for microbiological testing. The course is designed to support laboratories in implementing technically valid practices and maintaining compliance with accreditation requirements.

The training covers key management and technical requirements relevant to microbiological activities, including personnel competence and authorization, laboratory facilities and environmental conditions, biosafety considerations, and control of equipment used for microbiological testing. Particular emphasis is placed on method selection, verification, and validation, including qualitative and quantitative microbiological methods, performance characteristics, and ongoing method suitability.

Participants will gain detailed guidance on the handling of samples and test items, preparation, sterilization, storage, and performance monitoring of culture media and reagents, control of reference materials, and prevention of contamination and cross-contamination, in line with ISO 7218 requirements. The course also addresses measurement uncertainty in microbiology, evaluation of test validity, internal quality control, trend analysis, and participation in proficiency testing programs.

In addition, the training explains requirements related to metrological traceability, reporting of results, use of decision rules where applicable, and management of nonconforming work. Practical examples and assessment-oriented case studies are used throughout the course to illustrate common nonconformities, good laboratory practices, and expectations during accreditation assessments, supporting consistent, reliable, and internationally accepted microbiological test results.