Evaluation of the Use of Microtracers™ in a Proficiency Testing Program

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Laboratory Science

Background:

• Proficiency testing programs require accurate splitting procedures for equivalent test items.
• Non-equivalent test items hinder the separation of laboratory and item variation, compromising program objectives.
• Validation of the splitting process is critical for manufacturing reliable test items.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of Microtracers for validating the splitting process in the Association of American Feed Control Officials Proficiency Testing Program.
• To assess Microtracers as a quality control event during the production of proficiency test materials.

Main Methods:

• Microtracers were added to six production runs of feedstuffs.
• Twelve test items were randomly selected from each run for analysis.
• Tracer recovery and particle counts were performed on selected test items.

Main Results:

• Test item uniformity was assessed using relative standard deviation (RSD) of particle counts and Pearson's Chi-square test.
• RSDs for particle counts ranged from 2.49% to 4.13%.
• Chi-square P values ranged from 0.0097 to 0.3740 across the six sets, indicating acceptable uniformity.

Conclusions:

• Microtracers are a viable tool for validating the splitting process in proficiency test item manufacturing.
• Microtracers can be integrated as quality control events during the production of test materials.
• The study provides insights for improving proficiency testing programs.