For those of us consumers that choose oil analysis as a maintenance or preventive maintenance tool, it is difficult to choose a lab. Some labs choose to participate in the accreditation process, and some don't. From what I understand (could be wrong), Blackstone chooses not to participate.
My understanding is that labs that participate are sent samples to test and then return the results of their tests for statistical analysis to the controlling authority. Once the numbers are crunched and standard deviations are set, a pass or fail grade will be awarded for each critical category/area. You don't have to pass every critical category to receive an overall passing grade and receive a ISO accreditation certificate number for the year. How many categories can you fail? I'm not sure, but more than one from what I've seen.
So how good is a lab that has attained certification status? Well, we really don't know unless we see the test results. How good is a lab that chooses not to participate in the process? Well, we really have no clue there either.
What is a consumer to do? I think the old rule of thumb of staying with a lab for consistency and trending is probably best. If you want to get a second opinion from another lab, then that's a viable option too.
I personally use two labs routinely. One is certified (I've seen the test results too), and one chooses not to be. There is a significant price difference though. But the difference in value and return on investment is significant too. Like all products for consumers, you have to evaluate your needs and expectations coincidental to your budget. This is the most important thing IMO when you chose a lab to help keep a vehicle well maintained for a long, long time.
My understanding is that labs that participate are sent samples to test and then return the results of their tests for statistical analysis to the controlling authority. Once the numbers are crunched and standard deviations are set, a pass or fail grade will be awarded for each critical category/area. You don't have to pass every critical category to receive an overall passing grade and receive a ISO accreditation certificate number for the year. How many categories can you fail? I'm not sure, but more than one from what I've seen.
So how good is a lab that has attained certification status? Well, we really don't know unless we see the test results. How good is a lab that chooses not to participate in the process? Well, we really have no clue there either.
What is a consumer to do? I think the old rule of thumb of staying with a lab for consistency and trending is probably best. If you want to get a second opinion from another lab, then that's a viable option too.
I personally use two labs routinely. One is certified (I've seen the test results too), and one chooses not to be. There is a significant price difference though. But the difference in value and return on investment is significant too. Like all products for consumers, you have to evaluate your needs and expectations coincidental to your budget. This is the most important thing IMO when you chose a lab to help keep a vehicle well maintained for a long, long time.
