FAIRFAX, VA, (November 1, 2010) - The AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs (AIHA-LAP), LLC officially celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on October 20-29. AIHA-LAP, LLC signed the official ILAC MRA in a signing ceremony held in Shanghai, China on October 28. The Agreement, which officially endorses and recognizes AIHA-LAP, LLC as an equivalent global laboratory accreditation body, was signed by AIHA LAP Director Cheryl Morton and ILAC President, Daniel Pierre.

ILAC is an international cooperation of laboratory and inspection accreditation bodies formed to help remove technical barriers to trade. The ILAC MRA is signed by accreditation bodies that have been evaluated by ILAC peers and deemed competent and equivalent. The ultimate aim of the ILAC MRA is the increased use and acceptance by industry as well as regulators of the results from accredited laboratories and inspection bodies, including results from laboratories in other countries.

AIHA-LAP, LLC is also a full member of the ILAC regional body, the InterAmerican Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC), and is a signatory of the IAAC Multi Lateral Arrangement (MLA). This MLA provides industry recognition to qualified accredited labs operating in the Americas.