The Role of Standardization in Quality Control: How Sartorius Supports QC Laboratories
Quality control (QC) forms the foundation of any industry by ensuring that products and services meet established benchmarks. It involves systematic processes to identify and address defects, ultimately delivering consistent outcomes. A key component of this is standardization, which provides clear methods to maintain quality, enhance safety, and ensure regulatory compliance.
When new standards are created or existing ones are updated, they inevitably impact the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. While most changes are minor, some revisions can significantly affect testing workflows. For example, a standard that’s uncommon in a particular market segment might adopt a test method borrowed from another industry, forcing SOP updates. Consider microbiology media testing requirements—these often overlap between Food & Beverage, Water, and even Cosmetics, leading to shared impacts across these sectors.
Recognizing how standardization shapes QC, Sartorius actively contributes to drafting and revising industry standards. Our team members volunteer with various organizations to ensure our products align with evolving requirements while supporting laboratories navigating these changes.
Here are some of the organizations we work with and the areas they address:
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO): Standards in biotechnology, medical devices, laboratories, water quality, food products, cosmetics, and air quality.
- National Mirror Committees to ISO: Regional committees that align national standards with ISO guidelines.
- American Water Works Association (AWWA): Focuses on water quality, emerging contaminants, and council member initiatives.
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): Develops standards for water quality, plastics, medical devices, and oil and gas industries.
- Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC): Addresses standards for cannabis, novel foods, PFAS, and Legionella testing.
- Consortiums: Specializes in rapid microbiology test methods (RMTM) and wastewater surveillance.
By engaging with these organizations, Sartorius helps QC laboratories across diverse industries adapt to new standards and stay compliant. This commitment not only supports high-quality outputs but also ensures customer satisfaction and drives business success.