DairyChek Proficiency Testing Scheme

PT Scheme Description

The DairyChek PT scheme has been developed over many years to provide a system for laboratories to validate testing capability and benchmark their results. The dairy product proficiency materials are selected in order to cover the range of internationally traded dairy products.

Schedule & Materials Description

Proficiency materials in the DairyChek PT scheme are dispatched each month (refer timetable  below), with different product groups despatched at varying frequencies:

Butter Chemistry - Monthly
Butter Microbiology - Alternate months
Milk Powder Chemistry - Alternate months
Milk Powder Microbiology - Alternate months
Milk Powder Functional Testing - 4 per year
Vitamins, Micronutrients - 4 per year
Anhydrous Milk Fat (AMF) Chemistry - Alternate months
Cheese Chemistry - Alternate months
Cheese Microbiology - Alternate months
Casein Chemistry - 5 per year
Casein Microbiology - 5 per year
Caseinate Chemistry - Alternate months
Caseinate Microbiology - 5 per year
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Chemistry - Alternate months
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Microbiology - 5 per year
Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) - Alternate months

Performance Reporting & Evaluation

Participants are given 14 calendar days to analyse samples and return results. Reports are e-mailed within 3-5 working days. By working to a predetermined timeline, all laboratories' results can be pooled and statistically processed, with very quick turn-around time.

The reports provide information about the data pool of participating laboratories, the individual laboratory result as compared to the assigned (median) value, a histogram showing distribution of all data, and a run chart tracking historical performance of each laboratory. The statistics used are a robust, well-proven approach.

A rating is given as an interpretation of performance, using set criteria based on a normalised difference value. A score of 'Good', 'Okay' or 'Alert' is issued for every test. We also prepare an annual industry summary report. This includes a review of the summarised data for each test for reproducibility, occurrence of outliers, appropriateness of performance limits, and any testing issues that may have arisen (methodology influence). We also prepare summarised individual laboratory reports on request.

Reference Materials

A range of Reference Materials are available with properties that have been characterised using test data from the DairyChek PT scheme. These materials are used by laboratories for internal quality control (check tests), internal quality management monitoring systems and staff training.

Enquiries

Contact Us about the DairyChek PT scheme.

Timetable 2010

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