Technical Proficiency Tests:
An external method for assessing laboratory efficiency and validating results and measurements in the performance of a specific test method. Participation in technical proficiency tests provides objective and independent comparison in routine laboratory work. It is one of the requirements in the international standard ISO 17025.
Benefits of participating in technical proficiency tests:
- Evaluate the participant's performance in a specific test through comparison with reference values and other participating laboratories.
- The possibility of making comparisons between the tests methods used.
- Successful participation is evidence of proficiency towards beneficiaries and accreditation bodies.
- Evaluation and general verification of uncertainty calculations within the laboratory.
- Discovering problems and providing appropriate solutions to reduce cost.
- Determine values for reference materials and evaluate their suitability for use in a specified test or measurement procedure.
Related international standards:
(ISO/IEC 17043) and (ISO 13528)
The International Organization for Standardization issued the International Standard (ISO/IEC 17043) to define the general requirements for the proficiency of the bodies that provide proficiency tests. The International Standard (ISO 13528) provides the statistical base for the application of the standard (ISO/IEC 17043), especially with regard to the requirements of the statistical analysis used in interpreting the results, determining the causes of differences and dealing with them, and readings of homogeneity and stability of the samples used in the technical proficiency testing programs.