Proficiency testing catalogue - LGC Standards

Frequently askedquestionsFrequently asked questionsQ: Which international standards are relevantto PT?A: All the PT schemes within LGC StandardsProficiency Testing are operated in accordancewith the international standard ISO/IEC 17043.The statistical analysis undertaken is inaccordance with the international standardISO 13528. LGC Standards Proficiency Testingis accredited by the United Kingdom AccreditationService for the provision of proficiency testingschemes, currently against ISO/IEC Guide 43.1and ILAC G13. A copy of our current scope ofaccreditation is available on the UKAS website(www.ukas.com).Q: How are your schemes organised?A: The day-to-day operation of each scheme isthe responsibility of LGC Standards ProficiencyTesting. Individual schemes are managed bya team of Scheme Coordinators, to coverreporting, customer service and technicalfunctions. For some schemes, externaladvisors may also be used to provide the fullrange of relevant knowledge and expertiseneeded to operate the scheme effectively.Q: Do you use Advisors and Advisory Groups?A: Yes depending upon the scheme in question.Advisors are selected on the basis of theirtechnical knowledge and experience of theindustry to which the scheme is related.Advisors may be used on an ad-hoc basisand contacted when specific issues need tobe addressed.Alternatively, formal advisory groups may beused. Advisory Groups consist of memberswho may or may not be participants on thescheme but who are experienced in the fieldof testing covered by the PT scheme.The composition and terms of reference ofeach Advisory Group will be agreed on ascheme-by-scheme basis. Membership ofthe Advisory Groups is subject to change butmembers’ names are available on request.Q: Do you run schemes that are jointlymanaged?A: Yes one or two schemes are operated jointlywith a partner organisation. Where schemesare operated jointly, a Management Committeemay be set up to address operational issuesfor the scheme.Q: How do I join a scheme?A: Participants are advised to participate in thescheme(s) that are most appropriate to theirown area of testing. Where necessary, staffat LGC Standards Proficiency Testing canadvise on which scheme is most suitablefor participants.For each scheme, a scheme description andapplication form will be available, containinginformation about the test materials includedin the scheme, and the intended distributiondates. Participants are invited to completethe application form, indicating which testmaterials they wish to receive during thescheme year. If the availability of test materialschanges during the scheme year, participantsare kept fully informed.Once a participant joins a scheme and hasselected the test materials required, aparticipant schedule is provided as confirmation.Q: Can you guarantee my laboratory’sconfidentiality?A: In order to ensure confidentiality, participantsin all schemes are allocated a uniquelaboratory reference number. This numberenables results to be reported withoutdivulging the identities of participantlaboratories. Only LGC Standards ProficiencyTesting and the laboratory itself know thisnumber.Q: How often do I need to participate?A: The frequency that a laboratory needs toparticipate in proficiency testing depends ona wide range of factors specific to eachindividual laboratory, such as, other quality toolsused, the volume of work undertaken and the54 Tel: +44 (0)161 762 2500 Fax: +44 (0)161 762 2501