About LCAS™ 1:2025
Laboratory Cost Assessment Standard for Product Testing
Current version: Edition 1.1 (January 2025)
What is LCAS?
LCAS™ 1:2025 (Laboratory Cost Assessment Standard) is the first industry standard that establishes a transparent, defensible methodology for pricing laboratory testing services. Developed by Multicert Sp. z o.o., LCAS addresses a critical gap in the product testing market: the lack of comparability and transparency in laboratory quotations.
While test methods are standardized through EN, ISO, and ASTM frameworks, pricing methodologies have remained opaque. LCAS changes this by providing a structured approach based on Activity-Based Costing (ABC) principles, adapted for the unique requirements of laboratory testing.
Methodology Foundation
LCAS is built on recognized cost accounting frameworks, adapted for the laboratory testing context:
Activity-Based Costing (ABC)
Kaplan & Cooper methodology for allocating costs based on actual resource consumption.
DRG Principles
LCAS adapts DRG-inspired complexity factors to adjust base costs for test difficulty — the same way hospitals adjust reimbursement for patient complexity.
ISO/IEC 17025
Laboratory competence framework ensuring quality management alignment in all cost components.
EU Product Legislation
CE marking and GPSR requirements define the scope of applicable laboratory services.
Standard Structure
LCAS™ 1:2025 Edition 1.1 comprises 15 main sections and 8 annexes, covering the complete methodology from Base Cost calculation (§5) through Complexity Factor determination (§6), quotation templates, and dispute resolution. Edition 1.1 introduces Test Programme Pricing (§7.7), Application-Based Pricing (§7.8), and industry-specific matrices for EN 71 (Toys) and EN 14351 (Windows & Doors).
View Full Standard StructureScheme Owner
Multicert Sp. z o.o.
Warsaw, Poland
Multicert is a Polish certification company specializing in Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and construction product certification. As the LCAS Scheme Owner, Multicert is responsible for standard development, certification program operation, and trademark management.
Governance Structure
Technical Committee
Develops and maintains standard content, including methodology updates and new editions.
Advisory Board
Provides stakeholder input from laboratories, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.
Secretariat
Manages day-to-day operations, certification program, and registry maintenance.
Learn More
Have questions about LCAS? Contact the Secretariat or explore our resources.