What accreditation is
Accreditation is a formal assessment by an independent body that a laboratory operates a quality system and is competent to perform specific tests. For testing laboratories, a widely used standard is ISO/IEC 17025.
Scope matters
Accreditation applies to a listed scope of methods and sample types. A laboratory can be accredited for some tests and not others. When reading a report, check whether the method used falls within the laboratory's accredited scope.
How to check
Accrediting bodies publish certificates and scope documents. Look up the laboratory by name, confirm the certificate is current, and review which methods are listed. Source Standard describes its laboratory partner on the Our Laboratory page.