Know about Objectives of Proficiency Testing

The detailed objectives of a proficiency testing scheme will depend on the scheme, the analytical sector and the test methods concerned. However, all PT schemes will share the following two key objectives:

1. The provision of a regular, objectives and independent assessment of the accuracy of an analytical laboratory’s results on routine test samples.
2. The promotion of improvements in the quality of routine analytical data.

The most important of proficiency testing (PT) is to provide a regular and objective assessment of the quality of a laboratory performance in its day to day work. To this end test materials that resemble those routinely analyzed are distributed on a regular basis to test laboratories. The assigned values for the test materials are not disclosed in advance to the laboratories taking part.

The second essential objective of proficiency testing is, where necessary, to help laboratories to improve the accuracy of their data. By means of proficiency testing, laboratories are able to discover any unsuspected inaccuracy the might have and, from their performance in subsequent rounds, review the effectiveness of the remedial actions they have taken. Additionally, technical advice and guidance on analytical problems may be sought from scheme organizers. Where the overriding objective is to improve and maintain data quality, scheme organizers themselves may initiate approaches to laboratories experiencing persistent difficulties with a particular analysis.

In addition to the above, subsidiary objectives of proficiency testing schemes may includes the following:

• Provision of support to laboratory accreditation activities
• The identification of competent laboratories for regulatory, commercial or other porpoises
• An assessment of the data quality of a particular test sector, rather than of individual laboratories
• A comparison of the performance of different analytical methods used by participant laboratories for a particular measurement
• The production of materials suitable for training purpose of quality control

Download List of Current PT Programs 2014 by GPTS

What is Proficiency Testing?

Proficiency testing is a means of assessing the ability of laboratories to competently perform specific tests and/or measurements. Proficiency testing is also called interlaboratory comparison. As this term implies, proficiency testing compares the measuring results obtained by different laboratories. The results reported by each laboratory for a measurand are compared to the reference value for that measurand. The reference value can be determined in various ways.

Proficiency testing supports own internal quality control and quality assurance procedures of laboratories by providing an additional external assessment of their testing capability. Good performance in proficiency testing programs (means result near central line or z score is below 2) provides independent evidence and hence re-assurance to the laboratory, customers and auditors that procedures, system, technical control, equipments and other laboratory operations are under control. It also gives ideas to the management for areas of improvement.

Formal development of a Proficiency Testing plan provides an extended term roadmap for laboratories to confirm validation of all standardization services that they supply, and handily summarizes corrective and preventive actions that result from participation in proficiency testing. Once developing a Proficiency Test Plan, it’s necessary to optimize the prices to the laboratory by making certain that the minimum requirements are met and therefore the entire technical scope of the laboratory is roofed within the needed timeframe.