Proposal to adapt the Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) programme to fibre counting tests

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Proficiency testing is crucial for ensuring laboratory accuracy in fibre counting.
• Existing methods for classifying laboratories in fibre counting proficiency tests include French and British approaches.
• A need exists for robust and comparable methods for laboratory performance evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare three distinct methods for classifying laboratories participating in fibre counting proficiency tests.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and selectivity of a modified Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) program adapted for fibre counting.
• To assess the comparability of the modified WASP method against established French and British classification systems.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of French (mean and coefficient of variation) and British (normalized results within limits) classification methods.
• Adaptation and application of a modified Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (WASP) program for fibre counting.
• Laboratory classification based on comparing individual laboratory result variance with a reference variance (experienced analysts/laboratories).

Main Results:

• The modified WASP method yielded results comparable to the French and British classification methods.
• The modified WASP approach allows for the comparison of different variance magnitudes, enhancing analytical flexibility.
• The selectivity of all three evaluated methods was assessed.

Conclusions:

• The modified WASP method provides a viable and comparable alternative for laboratory classification in fibre counting proficiency testing.
• This method offers advantages in comparing variances, facilitating a more nuanced evaluation of laboratory performance.
• Further evaluation of method selectivity confirms the utility of the modified WASP approach.