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How well should laboratories perform in proficiency tests.

Mike Gardner¹, Tony Dobbs

¹WRc, Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon, Wilts, UK SN5 8YF. gardner_mj@wrcplc.co.uk

Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM

|June 3, 2004

Summary

Laboratories in water and environmental monitoring should aim for a proficiency testing pass rate above 75% to ensure reliable results. Consistent participation in testing programs is crucial for demonstrating this fitness for purpose.

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Area of Science:

Environmental science
Analytical chemistry
Laboratory management

Background:

Assessing long-term laboratory performance is vital for data quality in environmental monitoring.
Proficiency testing (PT) programs are essential tools for evaluating laboratory competence.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish a benchmark for evaluating the long-term performance of laboratories in the water and environmental sector.
To propose a practical metric for quality assurance (QA) managers and accreditation bodies.

Main Methods:

Analysis of results from three distinct proficiency testing programs.
Evaluation of laboratory pass rates over a medium-term period.

Main Results:

A medium-term proficiency test pass rate exceeding approximately 75% is identified as a minimum target.

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This target is proposed as an indicator of a laboratory's fitness for purpose in routine analysis.

Conclusions:

A 75% pass rate in PT programs serves as a practical yardstick for laboratory performance.
This recommendation requires consistent and uninterrupted laboratory participation in PT schemes.