Proficiency testing catalogue - LGC Standards

IntroductionAim of proficiency testingBenefits of proficiency testingProficiency testing (PT) is defined in ISO/IEC17043 as the evaluation of participantperformance against pre-established criteriaby means of interlaboratory comparisons.LGC Standards Proficiency Testing provides awide range of schemes designed to improvethe quality of analysis in those sectors covered.The schemes involve the regular distributionof test materials, in order for participants to testfor defined parameters, and to have their resultsstatistically analysed. Participation provideslaboratories with a means of assessing theaccuracy and comparability of their results topeer laboratories over time.When performed within the context of acomprehensive quality assurance programme,proficiency testing is an independent meansof assuring the quality of test and calibrationresults, as described in ISO/IEC 17025.Quality standardsProficiency testing is an essential laboratorytool as it demonstrates a laboratory’scommitment to good performance and enablesparticipants to confirm their ability to performtests competently; essential in the laboratoryaccreditation process.Participation in proficiency testing will:• enable participants to measure theirperformance against others;• give an early indication of potential problemsor training requirements;• encourage good performance and reinforcean interest in quality assurance;• demonstrate an ability to comply withinternational regulations;• provide a valuable source of information;• provide the means to measure consistencyacross a group of laboratories.Who should participate in proficiencytesting schemes?LGC Standards Proficiency Testing is committedto continual improvement in quality and efficiencythrough procedures based upon qualityassurance. This commitment is demonstratedthrough certification to ISO 9001:2008 for all itsactivities and ISO/IEC 43-1 and ILAC G13 forthe operation, management and design ofproficiency testing schemes. LGC StandardsProficiency Testing is accredited by the UnitedKingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for theprovision of proficiency testing schemes. Acopy of our current scope is available on ourwebsite: www.lgcpt.comAnyone who needs to independentlydemonstrate the quality of their analytical resultsshould use PT schemes – because quality ofresults relates directly to quality of product,reputation in the market and, ultimately, brandvalue. Whether operating in the food,pharmaceutical, beverages, environmentalmonitoring and or other sectors, many regulatorsview PT schemes as an essential part of qualitymonitoring and many companies link PT resultsto their own key performance indicators in thequality assurance process.Email: customerservices@lgcpt.comWebsite: www.lgcpt.com5