Case study · A state-licensed cannabis testing lab in Michigan
The Michigan rescue: three months of ISO/IEC 17025 preparation in two weeks
A Michigan lab faced its ISO/IEC 17025 deadline two weeks out, when two to three months of preparation is typical. We flew in, took over and got it across the line.
The situation
In Michigan, a cannabis testing lab that receives state approval typically has a year to earn ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
ISO 17025 preparation is mostly objective evidence: procedures that match what happens at the bench, validation records for every method in scope, training records for every analyst, and a management system that has actually run. An assessor reads that evidence, then checks it against the work.
The problem
For one reason or another, this lab was staring at its deadline two weeks away. We would normally want two to three months to prepare a lab for accreditation, depending on its size and its methods.
None of the preparation could be skipped. Every item an assessor asks to see has to exist, be accurate, and match what the bench actually does.
What we did
We took over the preparation and led it. We flew out to Michigan to work directly with the lab’s team and updated its methods.
We also brought the validation automation from our validation pipeline work: it showed which analytes were out of spec, and by how much, so retests were targeted instead of repeated wholesale.
The result
We got the lab across the finish line on its deadline. Afterward, the lab asked us to help write and validate a more comprehensive testing suite.
What it means for your lab
If your lab is winging its validation work, get help sooner rather than later, from us or from anyone qualified. Every week you wait compresses the work that’s left, and the closer the deadline gets, the more brutal it becomes for everyone involved.
- Know your window. In Michigan, it’s typically a year from state approval to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Other states set their own terms; our state regulations explorer lists them.
- Start with validation. That is where winging it costs the most.
- Plan for two to three months. That is the preparation time we’d want for most labs. Two weeks is possible, but no one should plan for it.
Written from our own account of the work. The client is anonymous.
Try itAn illustrative tool with sample data
How close is your lab to a clean assessment?
The readiness check is a short self-check against what an ISO 17025 assessment looks for. It’s a starting point, not the readiness assessment itself.
Start the readiness checkNext caseAll case studies are on the Work page
Next case study
- 10+test categories validatedSee the validation packages
State-licensed cannabis testing labs
Validation packages state auditors accepted, in 10+ test categories
A tested validation method for every major category states require, proven in multiple jurisdictions, with automation, SOPs, training and support through PT and audit.
Accreditation & compliance · Instruments & methods · Lab data & LIMS