Article by NATA’s Technical Manager Danielle Dicker
Much more than a box-ticking exercise
At its heart, peer review in the context of laboratory accreditation is a conversation—a structured, standards-based exchange between professionals. While accreditation bodies like NATA cannot offer consulting advice, assessors and laboratory staff can engage in constructive dialogues. These conversations are grounded in mutual respect and a shared goal: Raising the bar for quality, accuracy, and reliability.
The peer review process isn’t a cold audit—it’s a collegial interaction where seasoned scientists, engineers, and technical experts evaluate a laboratory’s management systems, processes, and technical competencies. It’s about ensuring laboratories meet internationally and nationally recognised standards, but it’s also about learning from each other.
A circle of trust
When a laboratory is peer-reviewed by NATA, the resulting accreditation instils trust among regulators, consumers, industries, and even within the laboratory itself. This trust comes from the fact that the reviewers are peers—people who speak the same technical language and understand the challenges of the work because they live it every day. That’s why NATA assessments are so valued: they’re rigorous and impartial, yet relatable and collaborative.
A path to excellence
One of the great strengths of this process is the ability to uncover hidden risks. Laboratories might be fully compliant, yet there may still be room for refinement. A fresh set of eyes from outside the organisation—particularly from experts in the same field—can bring insights that go beyond compliance and point to real opportunities for improvement.
These suggestions are not mandates, but they serve as guideposts for laboratories that aspire to excellence. In this way, peer review becomes not just a check-up, but a roadmap for growth.
Staying in step with the world
Peer reviews don’t just help at the national level—they are a cornerstone of international harmonisation. By following frameworks from bodies like the International Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), laboratories and accreditation bodies align their practices with global standards including ISO/IEC 17011, ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15189. Under Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) this alignment means a test conducted in Australia can be accepted in China or the U.S., and vice versa without duplication. It’s about trust that crosses borders and plays a crucial part in global trade.
A shared journey of learning
Technical assessors who conduct these reviews aren’t just sharing knowledge—they’re learning too. Every laboratory is different. Every system has its own quirks. Peer review allows assessors and laboratories to exchange best practices, technical trends, and problem-solving strategies. It’s an ecosystem of continuous improvement, not a one-off assessment.
Become part of NATA’s peer review universe
NATA has more than 3000 Technical Assessor on its books. They are all volunteers who give their time to play the leading role in this peer review process. As testing become more complex so too does the knowledge needed to assess these tests competently.
Want to know more?
If you would like to learn more– or are considering joining the NATA expert volunteer network, don’t miss the essential Technical Assessor Panel at Accreditation Matters in Sydney at the ICC on July 30 and 31