OPCW designated laboratory

VERIFIN has been an OPCW designated laboratory since 1996.

The main task of a designated laboratory is the analysis of samples collected by OPCW inspectors. National accreditation of the laboratory is one of the prerequisites for receiving the designation. In addition, a designated laboratory must participate annually in the proficiency test organized by the OPCW, either as a sample‑analyzing laboratory, a report‑evaluating laboratory, or a laboratory preparing test samples.

VERIFIN holds the designation for the analysis of both environmental samples and biomedical samples, and is therefore always prepared to analyze samples in cases of alleged use. In addition, VERIFIN participates in trial tests for biological toxins.

Accreditation

VERIFIN was accredited by (Finnish Accreditation Service) in 1996 for the analysis of chemical weapons. In 2016 the scope was broadened to cover biomedical samples (blood and urine). The scope of the accreditation is "Verification of chemical warfare agents, qualitative analysis, flexible scope: Environmental testing, material testing and biomedical testing" and the code of the laboratory is .

VERIFIN was accredited by FINAS first time in 1996 according to the EN45001 standard and ISO Guide 25. At present the Institute is accredited according to the standard SFS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the current accreditation is valid until 25.10.2028. The Quality System of the Institute is assessed by FINAS on regular basis.