Internal Audit Report Template
v2.3
Purpose. The template internal auditors use to plan an audit, record the evidence examined and report findings against the quality system and the standard for testing laboratories.
1.Purpose of internal audits
Internal audits verify that the laboratory's activities comply with its own procedures and with the requirements of the standard and the accreditation body, and that the quality system is effective. Each section and each clause of the standard is audited at least once in the annual audit plan. Auditors must be trained and independent of the activity being audited.
2.Planning the audit
State the scope, the procedures and clauses covered, the auditee section, the date and the auditor. Prepare a checklist from the procedures and the previous audit findings. Notify the section manager at least one week in advance unless the audit is unannounced by decision of the Laboratory Director.
3.Conducting the audit
Gather objective evidence by observing work, examining records such as worksheets, calibration logs, training records and reports, and interviewing staff. Trace at least two samples from chain of custody to the issued report. Record what was examined, not just what was concluded, so the finding can be verified.
- Observe the activity being performed
- Examine records for the period since the last audit
- Trace samples end to end
- Interview staff about how the procedure is applied
4.Findings
Classify each finding as a nonconformance, an observation or an opportunity for improvement. A nonconformance must reference the procedure or clause not met and the evidence. Nonconformances are entered in the nonconformance and corrective action register and assigned to the section manager for root cause analysis and corrective action.
5.Reporting and follow-up
Issue the report to the section manager and the Laboratory Director within five working days of the audit. Record the agreed corrective actions and due dates. The auditor verifies closure at or before the next audit and records the verification in the register.