Quality Assurance & ISO 17025 Compliance
Comprehensive quality management system ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and professional competence in EEG-based deception detection. Our ISO 17025:2017 compliant framework supports UKAS accreditation and demonstrates unwavering commitment to quality excellence.
Quality Management System Status - September 2025
Implementation Status: ISO 17025:2017 Quality Management System fully operational
UKAS Application: Submitted September 2025 - Assessment scheduled Q4 2025
Document Control: Version 5.0 quality manual with controlled distribution
Last Management Review: September 2025 - All objectives met or exceeded
Audit Status: Internal audits current - External surveillance planned
ISO 17025:2017 Quality Management Framework
Organizational Requirements
- Legal entity with defined responsibility and authority
- Impartiality policies preventing conflicts of interest
- Confidentiality agreements protecting client information
- Risk-based thinking integrated throughout operations
- Management system documentation and control
- Corrective action procedures for non-conformities
- Internal audit program with independent assessment
- Management review process ensuring effectiveness
Resource Management
- Personnel competency requirements and qualification
- Facilities suitable for testing activities
- Environmental conditions monitoring and control
- Equipment validation and calibration programs
- Metrological traceability to national standards
- Externally provided products and services control
- Information management systems and security
- Continuous training and professional development
Process Requirements
- Review of requests, tenders and contracts
- Selection and verification of methods
- Sampling procedures and representative protocols
- Handling of test items and data integrity
- Technical records maintenance and control
- Evaluation of measurement uncertainty
- Ensuring validity of results through quality control
- Reporting of results with appropriate detail
Improvement Requirements
- Options for improvement identification
- Customer feedback collection and analysis
- Analysis of data for system effectiveness
- Nonconformities identification and correction
- Corrective actions addressing root causes
- Preventive actions reducing future risks
- Management system updates and revisions
- Continuous improvement culture development
Quality Performance Dashboard
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Technical Competence: 100% of staff maintain required certifications
- Equipment Reliability: 99.95% uptime with preventive maintenance
- Measurement Uncertainty: Within ±0.15% of specified limits
- Turnaround Time: 95% of reports delivered within committed timeframes
- Client Complaints: Zero valid complaints in last 12 months
- Proficiency Testing: Satisfactory performance in all schemes
Audit & Review Timeline
Management Review Q3 2025
Comprehensive review of QMS effectiveness, performance against objectives, and identification of improvement opportunities. All quality objectives met or exceeded with two system enhancements implemented.
Internal Audit - Equipment & Calibration
Focus audit on calibration procedures, equipment maintenance logs, and measurement traceability. No non-conformities identified. Two opportunities for improvement documented and addressed.
Document Control Review
Complete review of document control system including version control, distribution lists, and obsolete document removal. System updated to version 5.0 with enhanced tracking capabilities.
Internal Audit - Process & Procedures
Systematic audit of testing procedures, data integrity controls, and reporting processes. Minor non-conformity addressed regarding record retention timelines. Corrective action implemented successfully.
Competency Assessment
Annual competency assessment for all technical staff completed. 100% pass rate achieved. Three staff members completed advanced training in P300 analysis techniques.
Risk Assessment Update
Comprehensive risk assessment updated including new technology risks and mitigation strategies. Risk register updated with 15 identified risks, all with appropriate controls in place.
Document Control Matrix
Controlled document status and review schedule ensuring current, accurate documentation:
Core Quality Documents
Document | Version | Status | Next Review |
---|---|---|---|
Quality Manual | 5.0 | Current | Dec 2025 |
SOPs Compact | 2.0 | Current | Jan 2026 |
Technical Specs | 9.0 | Current | Nov 2025 |
Risk Assessment | 3.1 | Reviewed | Mar 2026 |
Supporting Procedures
Document | Version | Status | Owner |
---|---|---|---|
Calibration Procedure | 4.2 | Current | Tech Manager |
CAPA Procedure | 2.1 | Current | QA Manager |
Complaints Policy | 1.5 | Approved | Operations |
User Manual | 3.0 | Current | Technical |
Records & Logs
Record Type | Retention | Status | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Test Records | 7 years | Current | Secure Archive |
Calibration Certs | 5 years | Current | QA Database |
Maintenance Logs | Equipment Life | Current | Asset System |
Training Records | Employment +2 | Current | HR System |
Risk Management Framework
Systematic identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks affecting quality and operations:
Mitigation Strategy:
Redundant systems, preventive maintenance, backup equipment available, comprehensive service contracts with 4-hour response.
Mitigation Strategy:
Cross-training programs, succession planning, continuous education budget, competitive retention packages, knowledge management system.
Mitigation Strategy:
Multi-layer security protocols, encryption, access controls, regular security audits, GDPR compliance framework, incident response plan.
Mitigation Strategy:
Environmental monitoring systems, controlled testing environment, backup facilities, EMC shielding, portable environmental controls.
Mitigation Strategy:
Active monitoring of regulatory developments, professional body membership, standards committee participation, flexible QMS design.
Mitigation Strategy:
Multiple supplier relationships, strategic inventory management, alternative calibration sources, long-term service agreements.
Continuous Improvement Program
Improvement Initiatives 2025:
- Process Automation: Implementation of automated calibration routines reducing manual intervention by 75%
- Data Analytics: Advanced statistical process control for real-time quality monitoring
- Client Portal: Secure online portal for result delivery and status tracking
- Training Enhancement: Virtual reality training modules for complex procedures
- Environmental Monitoring: IoT sensors for continuous environmental condition tracking
Quality Objectives 2025-2026:
- Detection Accuracy: Maintain >95% accuracy with target of 96% by Q2 2026
- Client Satisfaction: Achieve 95% satisfaction rating in quarterly surveys
- Turnaround Time: Reduce average report delivery time to <20 hours
- Zero Defects: Maintain zero quality incidents for 24 consecutive months
- Competency: 100% of technical staff achieve advanced certification
- Innovation: Implement 3 significant process improvements annually
Benchmarking & Best Practices:
- Industry Comparison: Performance metrics compared against international best practices
- Peer Networks: Active participation in professional quality management groups
- Academic Collaboration: Research partnerships for methodology improvement
- Technology Watch: Monitoring emerging technologies and industry trends
- Standards Development: Contribution to national and international standards
UKAS Accreditation Preparation
Application Status:
- Submission Date: September 11, 2025
- Application Reference: UKAS-25-DET-EEG-001
- Scope Applied For: EEG-based deception detection using P300 response analysis
- Assessment Team: Lead assessor with EEG expertise assigned
- Planned Assessment: Q4 2025 (preliminary schedule)
Readiness Assessment:
- Documentation Review: ✅ Complete - All required documents prepared and reviewed
- Technical Competence: ✅ Demonstrated - Multiple validation studies completed
- Management System: ✅ Operational - 18 months of effective operation
- Measurement Traceability: ✅ Established - NPL-traceable calibrations current
- Quality Control: ✅ Implemented - Statistical process control active
- Staff Qualification: ✅ Verified - All personnel meet competency requirements
Assessment Preparation Activities:
- Mock Assessment: Independent consultant review identifying zero major findings
- Witness Testing: Live demonstration of complete testing process prepared
- Record Sampling: Representative sample of 50 test reports prepared for review
- Staff Interviews: Technical staff prepared for competency assessment
- Facility Preparation: Testing areas organized for optimal assessment flow
- Corrective Actions: All identified minor issues resolved prior to assessment