Quality issues in proficiency testing |
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Authors: | Ian Robert Juniper |
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Institution: | (1) National Association of Testing Authorities, 7 Leeds Street, Rhodes NSW 2138, Australia Tel.: +61-2-9736-8222 Fax: +61-2-9743-5311 e-mail: Ian.Juniper@nata.asn.au, AU |
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Abstract: | Proficiency testing is a means of assessing the ability of laboratories to competently perform specific tests and/or measurements.
It supplements a laboratory's own internal quality control procedure by providing an additional external audit of their testing
capability and provides laboratories with a sound basis for continuous improvement. It is also a means towards achieving comparability
of measurement between laboratories. Participation is one of the few ways in which a laboratory can compare its performance
with that of other laboratories. Good performance in proficiency testing schemes provides independent evidence and hence reassurance
to the laboratory and its clients that its procedures, test methods and other laboratory operations are under control. For
test results to have any credibility, they must be traceable to a standard of measurement, preferably in terms of SI units,
and must be accompanied by a statement of uncertainty. Analytical chemists are coming to realise that this is just as true
in their field as it is for physical measurements, and applies equally to proficiency testing results and laboratory test
reports. Recent approaches toward ensuring the quality and comparability of proficiency testing schemes and the means of evaluating
proficiency test results are described. These have led to the drafting of guidelines and subsequently to the development of
international requirements for the competence of scheme providers.
Received: 2 January 1999 · Accepted: 7 April 1999 |
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Keywords: | Proficiency testing Quality Competence Second-party approval Approved provider |
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