7.8.2 Common Requirements for Reports (Test, Calibration, or Sampling)

Each report shall include specific information to ensure clarity, minimize misunderstanding, and maintain the integrity of results.

7.8.2.1 Minimum Report Requirements

Each report shall include at least the following information, unless the laboratory has valid reasons for not doing so, thereby minimizing any possibility of misunderstanding or misuse:

  • Title: e.g., “Test Report”, “Calibration Certificate”, or “Report of Sampling”.
  • Name and address of the laboratory.
  • Location of laboratory activities: including work done at customer facilities, off-site locations, or mobile facilities.
  • Unique identification: ensures all report components are recognized as part of a complete report and clearly marks the end.
  • Customer information: name and contact details.
  • Identification of the method used.
  • Description of the item: including an unambiguous identification and, when necessary, its condition.
  • Dates:
    • Date of receipt of test or calibration items.
    • Date of sampling (if critical to validity and application of results).
    • Dates of performance of the laboratory activity.
    • Date of report issuance.
  • Reference to sampling plan and method: used by the laboratory or external bodies, where relevant.
  • Statement on item specificity: the report must indicate that the results relate only to the tested, calibrated, or sampled items.
  • Results: including units of measurement where applicable.
  • Notations on method changes: additions to, deviations, or exclusions from the method.
  • Authorization: identification of the person(s) authorizing the report.
  • Identification of external providers: where results originate from external providers, they shall be clearly marked.
Note:

Including a statement specifying that the report shall not be reproduced except in full without approval of the laboratory can provide assurance that parts of a report are not taken out of context.

7.8.2.2 Responsibility for Report Information

The laboratory shall be responsible for all the information provided in the report, except when information is supplied by the customer.

  • Customer-supplied data: must be clearly identified in the report.
  • Disclaimers: If the customer-provided information affects result validity, a disclaimer shall be included in the report.
  • Statement on sampling responsibility: If the laboratory was not responsible for the sampling stage (e.g., sample provided by the customer), the report shall clearly state that the results apply to the sample as received.