How Proficiency Testing Can Foster Quality Assurance

Any laboratory can report results, but how can you be sure of the quality of those results? It’s a question customers should ask of any laboratory providing results: “How do I know my results are correct?” Laboratory inspections, which include checking a lab’s procedures and equipment, are one piece of the puzzle. The other less commonly looked at piece is a lab’s proficiency testing results.

What is proficiency testing?

Proficiency tests, also referred to as “round robin tests” or “ring trials”, are intended to check the actual analytical performance of a laboratory. Identical samples are sent out to laboratories who have actively decided to participate in a PT round or scheme. All of the participants individually analyze the samples and results are collected in a designated time frame. At this point, a statistical analysis will be performed by the PT round provider to evaluate the accuracy of the laboratories. According to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, accredited testing laboratories must participate in proficiency testing regularly in order to ensure the quality of their analyses.

How can I take part in a proficiency testing round?

Laboratories looking to participate in a proficiency testing round should contact an approved PT provider. An approved PT provider will be accredited according to standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043. The India facility of Trilogy Analytical Laboratory is accredited (2016) according to standard ISO/IEC 17043 (https://www.trilogylab.in/images/nabl.pdf). Trilogy India offers proficiency tests for numerous parameters in food analyses, including mycotoxins, microorganisms, and drug residues.

To view a list of upcoming PT rounds, please visit us at: https://www.trilogylab.in/proficiency.php.

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