Proficiency Testing & Certified Reference Materials

Proficiency Testing (PT) and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are essential components of quality assurance in analytical laboratories. They help ensure the accuracy and reliability of analytical measurements and the validity of results. Here’s an overview of each:

Proficiency Testing (PT):

Proficiency testing (PT), also known as external quality assessment, involves the regular evaluation of a laboratory’s performance through the analysis of provided samples with known characteristics. Here’s how PT works:

1. Sample Distribution: External organizations or proficiency testing providers distribute samples to participating laboratories. These samples are carefully prepared to simulate real-world samples and may contain unknown concentrations of analytes.
2. Analysis by Participating Laboratories: Participating laboratories analyze the samples using their standard procedures and equipment, just like they would for routine samples.
3. Submission of Results: Laboratories submit their results to the proficiency testing provider along with details of their analytical methods and procedures.
4. Evaluation of Performance: The proficiency testing provider evaluates the submitted results, comparing them to reference or consensus values. They assess the accuracy and precision of each laboratory’s measurements.
5. Feedback and Improvement: Laboratories receive feedback on their performance, including any discrepancies between their results and the reference values. This information helps laboratories identify areas for improvement in their analytical processes.