Research Education
PerformanceLabsUK supplies independently tested research reference materials for in vitro laboratory and scientific research use only, not for human or veterinary use.
"Independently tested" is a phrase used throughout this site, and it depends entirely on the laboratory doing that testing being genuinely independent and competent. This page explains what third-party accreditation generally means and why it matters.
A third-party testing laboratory is one with no ownership or financial connection to the company whose product is being tested. This separation matters because it means the laboratory has no direct interest in the outcome of the test, which supports the credibility of the result.
Accreditation is a formal process by which an independent accreditation body assesses a laboratory's competence, equipment, and quality management systems against a recognised standard, most commonly ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories. Accreditation is not a one-off certificate; it typically involves periodic reassessment to confirm the laboratory continues to meet the standard.
A Certificate of Analysis is only as reliable as the laboratory that produced it. A result from an accredited, genuinely independent laboratory carries more weight than one from an unaccredited or non-independent source, because accreditation provides external verification of the laboratory's methods and competence rather than relying on the laboratory's own claims.
| Characteristic | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Independence from the supplier | Removes financial incentive to produce a favourable result |
| Formal accreditation (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025) | External verification of competence and methodology |
| Periodic reassessment | Confirms standards are maintained over time, not just at initial certification |
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All products are supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary consumption.