Proficiency testing catalogue - LGC Standards

isk associated to the measurements.Therefore every individual laboratory mayhave a different need, which is why schemesprovided by LGC Standards offer flexibleparticipation, although some do have aminimum participation level. Third partiessuch as regulatory bodies, may recommendminimum levels of participation. To gain thebenefit from trend analysis, participation in aminimum of four rounds over a scheme yearis recommended.Q: What are the fees for participation?A: Fees for participation are reviewed annuallyand the current fees for each scheme areavailable on application. Payment terms aredetailed on the application form and invoice.Participants are advised that delays withpayments may result in test materials andreports being withheld until payment is made.Q: Where do you source your test materials?A: The vast majority of test materials aremanufactured by LGC Standards ProficiencyTesting. Where this is not possible, testmaterials are carefully sourced to meet theneeds of participants. Wherever practical,test materials will be as similar as possibleto those routinely tested by participatinglaboratories. However, in some cases, inorder to achieve the required degree ofhomogeneity and stability, test materials maybe in the form of simulated matrices orconcentrated spiking solutions.The range of test materials will usually bevaried from round to round in order to berealistic and challenging. Details of individualtest material types are available in the relevantscheme description.Q: How are test materials packaged andtransported?A: Test materials are sent in appropriate packagingand under conditions intended to protect thecontents during transit. All test materials aresent using priority courier. Overseascustomers must provide relevant documentsto prevent delay in customs such as importpermits and may be required to pay importduties locally.Once packages have been delivered,LGC Standards Proficiency Testing cannot beheld responsible if they subsequently failto reach the correct personnel or are notstored under the recommended conditions.Participants are asked to check the contentsof packages immediately on receipt and tocontact LGC Standards Proficiency Testingif there are any problems with the conditionof the test materials or accompanyingdocumentation.Q: How is test material stability affected bytime, distance and temperature?A: The test materials are all stable at the statedstorage temperatures for at least the periodof the Proficiency Test round. Studies haveshown there is no significant differencebetween results of test materials tested theday after despatch and those tested on thedeadline date. There is also no evidence thatresults are influenced by different climaticconditions of participating countries.Distance travelled does not affect test materialresults. We have undertaken studies on anumber of our PT test materials comparingthe average result according to distancetravelled, and no correlations have beenfound. Stability consideration is an importantpart of the design and feasibility process fora PT scheme, where transport conditionssuch as temperature, humidity, pressure,exposure to x-rays etc. are taken into account.Q: How do I treat my PT test material?A: It is important for laboratories to understandhow to get the optimum benefit from PTparticipation. To do this, a laboratory mustparticipate in an open and honest fashion,being prepared to, on occasion, beevaluated as unsatisfactory. If PT is toachieve its aims, laboratories need to treatthe PT test materials the same as routineFrequently askedquestionsEmail: customerservices@lgcpt.comWebsite: www.lgcpt.com55