NVLAP Lab Bulletin LB-166-2026

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program

Issue date: July 15, 2026
Number: LB-161-2025
LAP: Asbestos Fiber Analysis
Subject: Asbestos Renewal Application Change for an Accredited Laboratory – Required Proficiency Testing (PT) Documentation

The purpose of this bulletin is to notify accredited laboratories in the Asbestos Fiber Analysis laboratory accreditation program (LAP) of a new renewal application requirement.

Notice

Effective immediately, a laboratory submitting a renewal application shall upload the RTI International proficiency testing results for the rounds of proficiency testing (PT) completed within the previous 12 months for review during the application process.

If an accredited laboratory fails any of the PT rounds required to be submitted, the laboratory shall also upload the associated corrective action response, documenting the investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions taken, and verification of effectiveness. If the laboratory participated in a re-test, the results of the re-test shall be uploaded as well.

Please note that the laboratory will not be able to submit the renewal application until the PT documentation has been added to the RTI Proficiency Testing Reports folder. Applications that do not include the required documentation shall be considered incomplete and may result in delays in the processing of the next accreditation.

Questions should be directed to Shelby Williamson, Shelby.conyers [at] nist.gov (Shelby[dot]conyers[at]nist[dot]gov) or Heather Patrick, heather.patrick [at] nist.gov (heather[dot]patrick[at]nist[dot]gov).