What is proficiency test

What is proficiency test

Proficiency testing determines the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or measurements and is used to monitor laboratories’ continuing performance.

Proficiency testing is also called interlaboratory comparison. As this term implies, proficiency testing compares the measuring results obtained by different laboratories.

In a proficiency test one or more artifacts are sent around between a number of participating laboratories. Each laboratory measures the artifacts (e.g. a ring gage or a set of gage blocks) according to a given set of instructions and reports its results to the administrator.

The results reported by each laboratory for a measurand are compared to the reference value for that measurand. The reference value can be determined in various ways. The two most common ways are to use a reference laboratory or use the average of the values reported by the participants.

HN Proficiency Testing uses reference laboratories to provide the reference values. The reference laboratories are chosen for each measurand by the technical advisor for the proficiency test in question based on his or her knowledge of the laboratory and the uncertainty the laboratory is able to quote for the measurand.

The reference laboratories are generally A2LA accredited laboratories (accredited for the measurand in question), which have been assessed by the technical advisor.

HN Proficiency Testing purchases an accredited test or calibration from the reference laboratory on a commercial basis to establish the reference value for a proficiency test. We are therefore able to select what we consider the most competent laboratory to provide the reference value for each test.

There are different ways to evaluate the results of a proficiency test. For the type of proficiency tests offered by HN Proficiency Testing, the result reported by a participating laboratory for a measurand is compared to the reference value by calculating the E_n-value.

The E_n-value is calculated as follows:

where:
V_Lab is the value reported by the participating laboratory
V_Ref is the reference value
U_Lab is the uncertainty reported by the participating laboratory
and
U_Ref is the uncertainty of the reference value

The uncertainties shall be expressed using k=2, which corresponds to a 95 % coverage.

If a laboratory has any unsuccessful results, i.e En&nbsp 1, it is expected that the laboratory investigates the reason for the disagreement and implements corrective action.

CRM Solutions

[fa icon=»calendar»] May 4, 2017 8:00:00 AM / by Susan J. Evans Norris

Proficiency Testing is a key element in the laboratory accreditation process, alongside reference materials, enabling labs to monitor the quality of their analytical results. Proficiency testing determines the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or measurements, and is used to evaluate laboratories’ continuing performance. PT is also called interlaboratory comparison.

For labs wh o are pursing formal laboratory accreditation for the first time, it is particularly important as an init ial st ep in that process. Many accreditation programs require successful demonstrated perform

ance in PT programs prior to initial quality audits. Even if there are no plans for accreditation, successful participation in PT programs can provide a handy means for demonstrating accurate laboratory performance, and be utilized in a variety of ways, from providing marketing materials for sales to measuring individual employee performance and training.

The mechanics of a PT program are straightforward – an unknown sample(s) is received and analyzed by the laboratory, the lab results are returned to the PT provider, a statistical analysis of the all labs’ results is performed, and the individual laboratory receives data on their performance compared to all other laboratories (individual laboratory results are revealed only to each laboratory).

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What is proficiency testing and why is it important?

When selecting a lab to carry out testing, it is important to inspect the quality management system (QMS). The QMS ensures work is consistent and is of an appropriate standard. Good labs will have ISO accreditation to prove they consistently follow set standards within the lab. These standards include sample handling protocols and daily hygiene routines. Monitoring the quality of analytical results is a requirement for ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. One way to examine lab processes is to join a proficiency testing (PT) scheme, sometimes known as external quality assessment (EQA). PT should therefore be an integral part of any QMS.

This article will explore what proficiency testing is, why it’s important and how it can help to improve the quality of results when used correctly.

What is Proficiency Testing?

Proficiency testing is a way to assess the protocols in a lab and the staff that follow those protocols. There are many organisations such as Public Health England or LGC Standards that run PT schemes. Each PT scheme across the UK, Europe and the US will have its own instructions and way of handling the data collected from participants. However, each will have an administration centre where samples of known contamination levels are prepared. PT samples are sent to participating labs for specified testing and results are reported to the administration centre for analysis. The administration centre then collates the results and ranks participants according to their performance. All participant labs are anonymous. This anonymity allows participating labs to see trends in their own testing performance and to compare with other labs.

Why should a lab participate in PT?

PT can provide an opportunity to further educate staff in the potential ‘danger’ areas of testing. Training allows staff to appreciate their contribution to the output quality of their lab. Staff can then also appreciate their role in the companies’ success.

Lab managers can also use information gained from PT to adjust protocols if needed. For example, if a lab undergoes a rapid increase in sample numbers then results may suffer. This may only be a temporary adjustment period or it could indicate a procedural issue. If lab managers see a drop in satisfactory results across a number of rounds of testing then they can use the opportunity to re-assess protocols and formulate ways to better streamline processes.

How should PT samples be processed?

The normal environment for PT should be the normal environment for routine testing. Processing PT samples inside a sterilised fume cupboard whilst routine samples are processed on standard worktops is not going to provide insight into routine working practices. Any results would not be meaningful for the everyday running of the lab. Although the temptation is there to ensure the best possible results are reported, t he emphasis of PT should be to ensure that all samples are processed to the best of the labs’ abilities. In order to gain the full benefits of PT, the samples must be treated like routine samples.

Who needs to be tested?

Anyone who is trained and is regularly involved in routine testing needs to be included in PT. Individuals do not need to participate in every round of testing so a lab team may be split and groups of individuals may be rotated through a testing schedule over the year. To ensure consistency between technicians and between labs a standard operating procedure for PT sample handling needs to be created.

How often should PT be done?

There is no set standard for how often a lab should be involved in PT. Volume of work, other quality tools in place and number of protocols used all influence the frequency of participation. Certain schemes may recommend a minimum number of rounds over a test year in order to benefit from trend analysis. Ultimately, the lab manager must assess the needs of the lab and arrange participation in PT schemes accordingly.

Why does Solus participate in PT?

Here at Solus HQ, we want to know that we are producing assay kits that perform to the highest standards. By participating in PT we can ensure our kits are detecting target organisms in a ‘real world’ testing situation. We also like all of our production staff to be working at the same high level of proficiency.

Solus believes that our participation in the LGC PT scheme demonstrates our commitment to quality. We believe it shows we are willing to communicate with outside companies and that we are open to feedback.

If you have any further questions regarding proficiency testing or the Solus system then check out our Questions and Answers page.

Analytes

Quality assurance is an important issue for every laboratory. If you want to ensure that your lab produces accurate and precise results, proficiency testing is an indispensable measure. Here’s what you ought to know about proficiency tests.

Anyone who carries out food analyses needs to know that the obtained results are correct. Yet, there are many factors which can influence the quality of the analysis: the used test method, the lab procedures, the staff’s method of operation and the laboratory equipment are just a few of the influencing factors. In order to ensure that the test results obtained by the laboratory are valid, quality assurance is mandatory. Laboratory inspections, which include checking the lab’s procedures and equipment, are a part of this. But even more important are proficiency tests, since they evaluate the actual analytical performance of a laboratory.

What is a proficiency test?

Proficiency tests (also referred to as round robin tests or ring trials) are intended to check the performance of laboratories. For this purpose, identical samples are sent out to several laboratories, who then analyze the samples under specified conditions. The test results are then collected and processed statistically in order to evaluate the measurement accuracy of the laboratories. According to standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, accredited testing laboratories must participate in proficiency tests regularly in order to ensure the quality of their analysis.

How can I take part in a proficiency test?

Laboratories that want to take part in a proficiency test should contact an approved PT provider. We started a cooperation with the German reference office for proficiency testing and reference materials (DRRR) in 2015. DRRR is accredited according to standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043 and offers proficiency tests for numerous parameters in food analysis, e.g. mycotoxins, allergens, microorganisms and drug residues.

DRRR proficiency testing:

Are you interested in DRRR proficiency tests? You can find further information in the recently published 2017/2018 DRRR catalogues. Do you have questions concerning proficiency testing and quality assurance? We will be glad to advise you.

English Proficiency Tests

English proficiency whether it is to pursue higher education or for job procurement serves as a crucial tool for career advancement and progression. Popular options for English Proficiency Tests include the International English Language Testing Systems [IELTS], Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL] and PTE along with several other exams that test Business English proficiency and Communicative English for non-native speakers. Let us explore the test options available for outbound students as well as working professionals!

IELTS: General & Academic

One of the most preferred English Proficiency tests across the globe, the IELTS test is majorly categorised into the IELTS General and IELTS Academic. While both tests evaluate one’s grasp over the English language, the former is more suited for candidates going abroad for work and the latter for prospective students. You can read about its syllabus here. More details in the following table.

TOEFL

Offered by ETS, the TOEFL exam is a commonly recommended English Proficiency Test for students applying in universities in the USA and Canada as well as France and Germany while it boasts of universal acceptance. While the TOEFL Syllabus is similar to that of IELTS, there is a major distinction in the Speaking section which is taken through a microphone. It is important to note that the TOEFL underwent major revisions in 2019. Click Here for a Free Consultation Session to know more about the relevant changes and how you can achieve an above-average score.

Along with IELTS and TOEFL, the PTE exams are also considered amongst the popular worldwide exams. As an English proficiency test, it makes use of AI to evaluate answers in order to achieve impartial results. Further, it is offered at 250 test centres in more than 50 countries and you can send your scores to countless institutions. Read here about PTE Exam Pattern and the differences between IELTS VS PTE.

Duolingo English Test

Duolingo is an online English Test launched by the Duolingo Application to help students administer home-based exams for studying, working, and providing proof of English proficiency. It assesses candidates on four criteria which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Since then some of the universities have started accepting Duolingo English proficiency exam scores but not all of them. Duolingo accepted universities across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Europe, New Zealand.

TOEIC

The Test of English for International Communication or TOEIC is a globally accepted exam for non-native speakers to prove English communicative proficiency in business/corporate environments. There are three types of TOEIC tests (mentioned below) aimed at different audiences and for different purposes.

Cambridge Exams

With particularly defined levels and categories for academic English testing and business English testing, among others, the Cambridge exams are aimed at diverse audiences. The CAE and CPE are primarily used for university admission purposes. In particular, on the CAE, a score of grade B or higher is comparable to C1 English level which roughly translates to 7-8 band on the IELTS. Further, the CPE is the most advanced English proficiency test of the offered exams and a score of A or B is comparable to a C2 proficiency level. Both tests cost around 150 EUR (roughly 12300 INR) and can be appeared for monthly at testing centres.

Appearing for an English Proficiency Test is an elementary yet painstaking effort. Needless to say, it requires proper guidance and direction. Leverage Edu can not only help you get an above-average score in English Proficiency Tests but also lend a helping hand throughout the admission process of your chosen program and university! Book an E-meeting with us and take a step forward towards your dream university!