Ambient Air quality Monitoring Guidlines. - Maharashtra Pollution ...

(a) Inter Laboratory Proficiency Testing of Ambient Air Quality Measurement
Methods
Inter laboratory proficiency testing is a recognized tool for checking the capability of
testing laboratories for producing reliable test results and judging the effectiveness
of quality system/programme. Participating in proficiency testing programmes,
involving inter laboratory test comparisons, provides valuable information with regard
to the status of performance of laboratories participating in the programme. This is
turn leads to efforts for identification of areas of weakness and measures to be taken
for improvement.
Inter laboratory comparisons are conducted for a number of purposes and results
may be used by participating laboratories and other parties.
Inter laboratory comparisons may be used, for example to:
h) Determine the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or
measurements and to monitor laboratories continuing performance;
i) Identify problems in laboratories and initiate remedial actions which may be
related to for example, individual staff performance or calibration of
instrumentation;
j) Establish the effectiveness and comparability of new test or measurement
methods and similarly to monitor established methods;
k) Provide additional confidence to laboratory clients;
l) Identify inter laboratory differences;
m) Determine the performance characteristics of a method-often known as
collaborative trials;
n) Assign values to reference materials (RMs) and assess their suitability for use in
specific test or measurement procedures.
1. Types Of Proficiency Testing
Proficiency testing techniques vary depending on the nature of the test item, the method
in use and the number of laboratories participating. It thus supplements laboratories
own internal quality control procedures by providing an additional external measure of
their testing capability. The performance of a laboratory depends on the quality system
management of the laboratory. Major elements of the quality system are management
of equipment staff, environment, test items, records, test methods and internal audits.
The following are the common types of proficiency testing schemes.
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