The aim of Proficiency Testing (also known as Inter-Laboratory Comparison Programmes, ILCP, or Proficiency Schemes) is to provide laboratories with objective assessments of the accuracy and reliability of their test results. Proficiency Testing also provides the opportunity for laboratories to benchmark their performance within a pooled industry group, nationally or internationally.

How Proficiency Testing Works

The key steps of a Proficiency Programme Round are:

• Homogeneous samples are distributed to participating laboratories
• Test results are provided in confidence back to LabChek. The data is statistically processed to determine the Assigned Value (usually a median, mean, or reference result) according to the statistical protocol for each programme
• The performance of each laboratory for each sample and test is assessed by measures of difference from the Assigned Value. Bias is measured by monitoring rolling averages of performance over time
• Confidential Reports are provided to each laboratory

Why Participate in Proficiency Testing?

Benefits of participation in LabChek Proficiency include:

• Confidence in Results
  • Measurement of performance in comparison with other laboratories provides confidence that:
    • Test methods are being followed
    • Test results are accurate
    • Technician training has been appropriate
    • Systematic errors are identified before the cost of correction escalates
    • Performance can be proven, to other departments
    • Performance can be proven, to customers
    • Results issued from another lab are unlikely to be significantly different
• Credibility
  • with Customers
  • with Regulatory Authorities
  • with Accreditation Agencies
• Compliance
  • Laboratory Standards (e.g. ISO 17025)
• Optimising Yields
  • Knowledge of the precision and bias of a process allows production processes to be driven to optimum limits. Even low levels of bias in simple tests (e.g. moisture) can add up to significant volumes of lost yield (and value) over a prolonged period.

Our Clients Tell Us:

"Our performance in ILCP is independent proof for management and customers that test results from our lab are reliable"

"Regular participation in proficiency testing helps us to identify and correct small problems before they become big ones"

"Asking our customers to participate in the same Proficiency Testing that we do gives independent assurance that when we report a result, we are speaking the same language"

"We use ILCP to benchmark with other laboratories, to ensure our methods and equipment stay current with industry"

Choosing a Proficiency Testing Programme

When choosing a proficiency programme, consider the following key criteria:

1. Relevance to the Testing in your Laboratory
   • Sample Matrices - are the sample types similar to the samples tested in your laboratory? To assess this, you will need to know the range of key properties (e.g. composition) of the samples provided to participants.
   • Test Methods - is the method used in your lab offered in the programme, and how many of the other participants are using methods comparable with those used in your laboratory?
   • Sample handling, testing, and reporting protocols - are these clear and easy to follow, do they represent good practice, and are the requirements compatible with existing procedures in your lab?
2. Quality of data - considering reports from previous rounds, is the spread of data consistent with your expectations for key tests?
3. Performance of other labs - what is known about the other participating laboratories, and how many of the participating labs are accredited?
4. Statistical Analysis and Performance Assessment - how is data from different methods grouped for analysis, and is this likely to allow valid comparison? Is the performance assessment made according to internationally recognized procedures?
5. Reporting - Is the information easy for both lab staff and third parties to interpret? Is reporting timely?