Local Campbell River laboratory achieves International Accreditation

 

For Immediate Release October 28th, 2019

Local Campbell River laboratory achieves
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION
Salmon stock recovery in BC just got a boost!

Local Campbell River fish health laboratory, the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences (BC CAHS) has attained International Standards Organization (ISO) accreditation. “Four virus assays (detecting procedures) — including Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV) — are now conducted to a recognized international standard.” says Dr. Jim Powell, CEO of BC CAHS.

“This assures all salmon resource interests that our work is conducted to the highest standard and the results are accurate and defensible”.

The ISO accreditation in a BC private fish health diagnostic lab means the reporting of fish pathogens leaves no room for doubt. “The public can trust that accurate and defensible detection of viruses such as PRV is available.” states Powell.

“It’s only logical that when you report on viruses affecting salmon, that the procedures are done to the highest standard.” says BC CAHS, Lab Manager Garnet Martens. “It took years of preparation, training and documentation to achieve ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, but it’s worth it.” says Martens. “Now our clients know that our results are reliable, relevant and trustworthy according to the international standard requirements.”

BC has witnessed alarming declines in wild salmon stocks. BC CAHS is dedicated to helping the recovery of salmon abundance through research to identify fish pathogens that impact salmon health. By using advanced molecular and genetic techniques, researchers at BC CAHS are unraveling the mysteries of the genetic structure of fish pathogens to use in their detection methods. This cutting-edge work is part of BC CAHS’ contribution to help salmon recovery. ISO accreditation adds confidence that this work is of the highest caliber.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dr. Jim Powell
250-286-6102
admin@cahs-bc.ca
www.cahs-bc.ca

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871A Island Hwy
Campbell River, BC
V9W 2C2

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