Following an external audit of the quality management system on 14th and 15th November 2017, LIH was able to successfully extend its ISO 9001:2008 certification scope to the National Cytometry Platform (NCP).

The NCP is a shared resource facility within LIH’s Department of Infection and Immunity that is available to assist scientists with the design of cytometry experiments, data acquisition, cell sorting and data analysis. It is equipped with state-of-the-art flow, image and mass cytometry instruments.
To receive the ISO 9001:2008 certification, the NCP underwent an evaluation process that included the development of a quality management system, a management system documentation review, a pre-audit and an initial assessment. Thanks to the certification, the internal and external users of the NCP can be confident that the platform is dedicated to maintaining the highest efficiency and responsiveness in achieving quality services.

The NCP engages to continuously:
-    optimise instruments and technology to the users’ needs,
-    provide maintained and quality-controlled equipment,
-    deliver written protocols for each device,
-    keep traceability of data and ensure data security,
-    analyse any issue to improve service quality.

‘The ISO certification, together with our state-of-the art equipment, provides us now with a unique set-up to offer the best service in research collaborations and for our contractual partners’, states Dr Coralie Guérin, Head of the NCP. Prof Markus Ollert, Director of the Department of Infection and Immunity, adds: ‘It is indeed a major achievement for LIH that is crucial for positioning Luxembourg as a leading international hub in cancer, immunology and inflammation research. This platform, embedded within a highly advanced research environment, gives us multiple opportunities for international collaboration with academic and private partners.’

The external audit was conducted in accordance with the German TÜV Rheinland auditing and certification procedures. The ISO 9001:2008 standard sets out the criteria of a good quality management system, ensuring a strong customer focus, a highly motivated management team, and processes which drive continuous improvement.

More information about the platform's services and equipment here