[Unpad Media Channel] The laboratories of the Faculty of Agroindustrial Technology (abbreviated as FTIP) and the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Padjadjaran have once again achieved ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, marking significant advancements in the quality of testing services they provide. Not only have these laboratories maintained their accreditation, but they have also expanded their scope and introduced new, more specific services tailored to industry needs.
FTIP Laboratory: Re-Accreditation and Halal Services
The FTIP Laboratory has successfully renewed its ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, specifically for halal testing, including DNA detection of pork in ground meat. This expanded scope supports the establishment of Unpad’s Halal Inspection Agency (Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal or LPH), meeting the requirements for an accredited halal inspection body.
“Previously, our testing scope was limited to proximate analysis of powdered milk. Considering the vast scope of food products, we aim to gradually expand our parameters, focusing on the most demanded ones to make our services more relevant and beneficial,” said Tia Amina Setiawati, S.Si., M.Si., the Head of FTIP Laboratory.
In addition to halal testing, the laboratory now offers services for non-food products, such as textiles, which are increasingly in demand in the industrial sector. As a support for the LPH, the laboratory serves as a reference for other halal inspection agencies lacking accredited testing facilities. Looking ahead, the lab plans to extend its services to other food products and agricultural machinery testing, with efforts to restore accreditation for agricultural machinery tests previously removed from the Ministry of Agriculture’s directory.
Pharmacy Laboratory: Accreditation and New Testing Services
The Pharmacy Laboratory has also achieved ISO 17025:2017 accreditation, raising its international standards for testing and calibration. New testing parameters have been added, including DNA detection of pork in meat, the effects of test substances on MCF-7 cell viability in plant extracts, Sun Protection Factor testing for cosmetics, water permeability tests for cosmetics, and identification and quantification of hydroquinone in cosmetics.
With this accreditation, the Pharmacy Laboratory now offers additional services, such as identification and quantification of the preservative propylparaben, cytotoxicity testing using the WST-8 method, and various other chemical and biological tests. The lab is committed to continuous development and capacity enhancement by registering more services to broaden its accredited testing scope.
“This accreditation ensures the competence of Unpad’s Pharmacy Laboratory, boosting client, partner, and stakeholder confidence that the lab meets the highest quality and technical standards. It also directly improves operational efficiency, as the lab is required to implement an effective quality management system that enhances work efficiency,” explained Prof. Dr. Aliya Nur Hasanah, M.Si., the Vice Dean for Learning, Student Affairs, and Research at the Unpad’s Faculty of Pharmacy.
DRPM Unpad’s Support in Accreditation and Service Development
The Directorate of Research and Management Development (abbreviated as DRPM) at Unpad plays a vital role in supporting the laboratories’ accreditation processes, including facilitating necessary training and administrative tasks. DRPM also assists the laboratories in meeting competency standards set by the National Accreditation Committee (abbreviated as KAN), aiming to enhance Unpad’s reputation within the industry and society.
“We assist in fulfilling the competency standards required by KAN, ensuring that laboratories meet all applicable requirements, including training. Additionally, we support administrative needs, such as KAN registration and other necessary processes,” explained Ida Nur Farida, S.Si., M.Si., the Secretary of DRPM Unpad.
The achievements of FTIP and Pharmacy Laboratories at Unpad underscore the university’s commitment to maintaining quality and integrity in research and testing. With ISO 17025:2017 accreditation and newly introduced services, these laboratories are poised to support industry, research, and society’s need for reliable and high-quality testing services. (SA)*
