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Related Experiment Videos

Phase contrast microscopy asbestos fiber counting performance in the Proficiency Analytical Testing program

P C Schlecht1, S A Shulman

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|May 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) for asbestos fiber counting shows improved accuracy over 20 years. Laboratories demonstrate better precision when counting amosite versus chrysotile asbestos fibers.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • The Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) program, operated by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has monitored asbestos fiber count reporting for two decades (1972-1992).
  • Understanding variability in asbestos fiber counting is crucial for accurate occupational exposure assessments and regulatory compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate trends in asbestos fiber count variability within the PAT program over a 20-year period.
  • To compare the variability of counting different asbestos types (chrysotile and amosite) and analyze factors influencing performance.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of asbestos fiber count data reported to the PAT program from 1972 to 1992.

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  • Estimation of total, intracounter, and intercounter variability for chrysotile and amosite asbestos fiber counting.
  • Comparison of variability metrics over different time periods and under varying program conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Total variability in counting chrysotile asbestos fibers improved by approximately 35% in recent years compared to 1975-1977.
    • Laboratories exhibited significantly lower intracounter (approx. 25%) and total/intercounter (approx. 33%) variability when counting amosite compared to chrysotile asbestos fibers.
    • Amosite intercounter variability showed substantial improvement (approx. 33%), particularly in the initial year of its inclusion in the program.

    Conclusions:

    • Asbestos fiber counting performance within the PAT program has improved over time, especially for chrysotile.
    • Amosite asbestos fiber counting is demonstrably more precise than chrysotile counting within the program.
    • Changes in analytical methods, laboratory participation, accreditation, and sample production likely influenced observed variability trends.