Two laboratories of the “Republican Veterinary-Sanitary and Phytosanitary Laboratory Services Center” SNCO (RVSLPSC SNCO) — the Food Safety Research Testing Laboratory and the Special Dangerous Pathogens Reference Testing Laboratory — have successfully completed the on-site assessment conducted as part of the international accreditation process.

The assessment was conducted by the American National Accreditation Board (ANAB) within the framework of evaluating compliance with the requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

The international assessment process is of significant importance for the continuous development of the laboratory capacities of the RVSLPSC SNCO and for ensuring that the quality of testing complies with international requirements. It provides an opportunity to assess the organization’s laboratory management system, technical capabilities, professional competence, and the conformity of the testing methods applied with established requirements.

As part of the assessment process, the laboratory scope of the RVSLPSC SNCO was expanded to include stable isotope analysis of alcoholic beverages and juices.

The introduction of this new area represents an important step in expanding the scientific and laboratory capabilities of the Republic of Armenia in the field of authenticity, origin, and geographical indication studies of alcoholic beverages. Conducting such analyses will enable the application of modern analytical approaches and ensure that results are generated in accordance with international requirements.

The expansion of the scope of laboratory testing conducted by the RVSLPSC SNCO also contributes to ensuring the international recognition and mutual acceptance of the testing results issued by the organization within the relevant accreditation scope.

Notably, the introduction of the new stable isotope analysis capability represents an important achievement in the development of laboratory capacities in the Republic of Armenia, enabling such analyses to be performed domestically on the basis of appropriate technical infrastructure and professional expertise.

The assessment conducted as part of the international accreditation process, together with the expansion of laboratory capabilities, constitutes an important component of the continuous development of the RVSLPSC SNCO’s laboratory management system, technical capabilities, and professional capacity.

The RVSLPSC SNCO will continue its efforts to expand the scope of laboratory testing, introduce modern analytical methods, develop professional competencies, and ensure the continuous compliance of laboratory service quality with international requirements.