what is proficiency testing?
Laboratory proficiency testing is an essential element of laboratory quality assurance. With the increasing demands for independent proof of competence from regulatory bodies and customers, proficiency testing is relevant to all laboratories testing food for quality and safety in every country.
In order to ensure that laboratories are providing accurate data for government surveillance and other research adequate quality tests must be in place.
In an environment where laboratories now compete intensively for work, proficiency testing provides the means by which external customers can compare competence in carrying out specific tests.
Proficiency testing is an independent and unbiased assessment of the performance of all aspects of the laboratory, both human and hardware. Proficiency testing should not be confused with collaborative trials where the method rather than the laboratory is being tested.
In proficiency tests the laboratory is encouraged to use its usual method therefore simulating the testing of a routine laboratory sample as closely as possible. Whilst the outcome of the analysis may be dependent upon the choice of method it could also be affected by the performance of the laboratory equipment or the competence of the analyst.
In most schemes an essential part of the test is to follow instructions on how to report results and the date by which results should be returned to the proficiency test provider for assessment.
Each participant receives a report which reveals the laboratory number that they are in the Round, allowing them to identify their assessment. Anonymous results and assessments are also listed for all other participants in the test allowing a laboratory to compare its performance with other laboratories. Reports also contain information on methods used by participants.
Laboratories who do not perform satisfactorily in a proficiency test may be required to take remedial action by their accreditation body or in house quality system. In some cases we can provide a remedial service allowing you to test a sample and receive performance markings outside of the normal testing timetable.
